Protothecosis: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Protothecosis | |||
| image = [[File:Prototheca_zopfii.jpg]] | |||
| caption = ''[[Prototheca zopfii]]'' | |||
| field = [[Infectious disease]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Cutaneous]], [[subcutaneous]], [[disseminated]] infections | |||
| complications = [[Meningitis]], [[arthritis]], [[endophthalmitis]] | |||
| onset = Varies | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = ''[[Prototheca]]'' species | |||
| risks = [[Immunocompromised]] individuals | |||
| diagnosis = [[Biopsy]], [[culture]], [[histopathology]] | |||
| differential = [[Fungal infection]], [[bacterial infection]] | |||
| prevention = Avoidance of contaminated water and soil | |||
| treatment = [[Antifungal]] medications, [[surgical debridement]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on immune status and treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Prototheca_wickerhamii.hematoxylin_eosin_stain.jpg|Prototheca wickerhamii stained with hematoxylin and eosin|thumb|left]] | |||
[[File:Prototheca_wickerhamii.GMS.jpg|Prototheca wickerhamii stained with GMS|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Prototheca_wickerhamii.PAS.jpg|Prototheca wickerhamii stained with PAS|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Protothecosis''' is a rare infection caused by the [[Prototheca]] species of algae. It can affect both humans and animals, and is typically seen in immunocompromised individuals. The infection can manifest in a variety of ways, including cutaneous, olecranon bursitis, and disseminated forms. | '''Protothecosis''' is a rare infection caused by the [[Prototheca]] species of algae. It can affect both humans and animals, and is typically seen in immunocompromised individuals. The infection can manifest in a variety of ways, including cutaneous, olecranon bursitis, and disseminated forms. | ||
==Etiology== | ==Etiology== | ||
Protothecosis is caused by the [[Prototheca]] species of algae. These organisms are ubiquitous in the environment and can be found in soil, sewage, and contaminated water. The two species most commonly associated with human disease are ''Prototheca wickerhamii'' and ''Prototheca zopfii''. | Protothecosis is caused by the [[Prototheca]] species of algae. These organisms are ubiquitous in the environment and can be found in soil, sewage, and contaminated water. The two species most commonly associated with human disease are ''Prototheca wickerhamii'' and ''Prototheca zopfii''. | ||
==Clinical Presentation== | ==Clinical Presentation== | ||
The clinical presentation of protothecosis can vary widely depending on the form of the disease. The cutaneous form typically presents as nodules or ulcers on the skin, while the olecranon bursitis form presents as swelling and pain in the elbow. The disseminated form can affect multiple organ systems and can be life-threatening. | The clinical presentation of protothecosis can vary widely depending on the form of the disease. The cutaneous form typically presents as nodules or ulcers on the skin, while the olecranon bursitis form presents as swelling and pain in the elbow. The disseminated form can affect multiple organ systems and can be life-threatening. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of protothecosis is typically made through culture of the organism from clinical specimens. Molecular methods such as [[PCR]] can also be used. Histopathology can reveal characteristic morulae within macrophages. | Diagnosis of protothecosis is typically made through culture of the organism from clinical specimens. Molecular methods such as [[PCR]] can also be used. Histopathology can reveal characteristic morulae within macrophages. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment of protothecosis typically involves a combination of surgical debridement and antifungal therapy. The antifungal agents amphotericin B and itraconazole have been used with some success. | Treatment of protothecosis typically involves a combination of surgical debridement and antifungal therapy. The antifungal agents amphotericin B and itraconazole have been used with some success. | ||
==Epidemiology== | ==Epidemiology== | ||
Protothecosis is a rare disease, with only a few hundred cases reported in the medical literature. It is seen worldwide, but appears to be more common in certain geographic areas such as the southern United States and Japan. | Protothecosis is a rare disease, with only a few hundred cases reported in the medical literature. It is seen worldwide, but appears to be more common in certain geographic areas such as the southern United States and Japan. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Prevention of protothecosis involves avoiding contact with contaminated water and soil, particularly for immunocompromised individuals. | Prevention of protothecosis involves avoiding contact with contaminated water and soil, particularly for immunocompromised individuals. | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
* [[Algae]] | * [[Algae]] | ||
* [[Immunocompromised]] | * [[Immunocompromised]] | ||
* [[Amphotericin B]] | * [[Amphotericin B]] | ||
* [[Itraconazole]] | * [[Itraconazole]] | ||
[[Category:Infectious diseases]] | [[Category:Infectious diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Rare diseases]] | [[Category:Rare diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Health]] | [[Category:Health]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 04:50, 13 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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| Protothecosis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Cutaneous, subcutaneous, disseminated infections |
| Complications | Meningitis, arthritis, endophthalmitis |
| Onset | Varies |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Prototheca species |
| Risks | Immunocompromised individuals |
| Diagnosis | Biopsy, culture, histopathology |
| Differential diagnosis | Fungal infection, bacterial infection |
| Prevention | Avoidance of contaminated water and soil |
| Treatment | Antifungal medications, surgical debridement |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on immune status and treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Protothecosis is a rare infection caused by the Prototheca species of algae. It can affect both humans and animals, and is typically seen in immunocompromised individuals. The infection can manifest in a variety of ways, including cutaneous, olecranon bursitis, and disseminated forms.
Etiology[edit]
Protothecosis is caused by the Prototheca species of algae. These organisms are ubiquitous in the environment and can be found in soil, sewage, and contaminated water. The two species most commonly associated with human disease are Prototheca wickerhamii and Prototheca zopfii.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
The clinical presentation of protothecosis can vary widely depending on the form of the disease. The cutaneous form typically presents as nodules or ulcers on the skin, while the olecranon bursitis form presents as swelling and pain in the elbow. The disseminated form can affect multiple organ systems and can be life-threatening.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of protothecosis is typically made through culture of the organism from clinical specimens. Molecular methods such as PCR can also be used. Histopathology can reveal characteristic morulae within macrophages.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of protothecosis typically involves a combination of surgical debridement and antifungal therapy. The antifungal agents amphotericin B and itraconazole have been used with some success.
Epidemiology[edit]
Protothecosis is a rare disease, with only a few hundred cases reported in the medical literature. It is seen worldwide, but appears to be more common in certain geographic areas such as the southern United States and Japan.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of protothecosis involves avoiding contact with contaminated water and soil, particularly for immunocompromised individuals.
