obsolete Neoscytalidium dimidiatum infectious disease

Neoscytalidium dimidiatum Infections: A Rare and Obsolete Disease

Neoscytalidium dimidiatum is a rare fungal pathogen that was once considered to be the cause of various human infections, including dermatomycosis, onychomycosis, ringworm, and tinea. However, with advancements in medical research and diagnosis, this disease has become largely obsolete.

Historical Context

According to search results [2], Neoscytalidium dimidiatum was previously known as Scytalidium dimidiatum and was considered a saprophytic dematiaceous fungus that could be isolated from soil and plant tissues. It was mainly found in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide.

Infections Caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum

The disease caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum was characterized by the formation of hyphomycete, which affected human nails, toe webs, feet, and skin. In rare cases, it also infected the palms of hands [3]. However, with improved diagnostic techniques and treatment options, this disease has become relatively rare.

Geographical Distribution

Neoscytalidium dimidiatum was geographically distributed in tropical and subtropical areas, with the highest incidence in Africa, South America, India, and Asia. According to search results [5], it accounted for 0.7% of onychomycosis cases.

Treatment and Prevention

Unfortunately, there is no standardized treatment for Neoscytalidium dimidiatum infections, and they are frequently resistant to in vitro susceptibility tests [9]. As a result, prevention remains the best course of action, which includes avoiding contact with infected individuals or contaminated soil and plant tissues.

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Neoscytalidium dimidiatum Infectious Disease Signs and Symptoms

The Neoscytalidium dimidiatum infectious disease, also known as Neoscytalidium infection, can manifest in various ways depending on the affected individual. Here are some of the reported signs and symptoms:

• Skin Infections: The fungus can cause skin lesions, which may appear as red, itchy patches or blisters [1]. These lesions can be painful and may take several weeks to heal.
• Nail Infections: Neoscytalidium dimidiatum infection can also affect the nails, causing them to become thickened, discolored, or even fall off [5].
• Canker Symptoms: The disease can cause canker symptoms in plants, including bark lesions, discoloration of xylem tissues, longitudinal wood necrosis, and extensive gumming [3][7]. These symptoms can be severe and may lead to the death of the affected plant.
• Pulmonary Infection: In rare cases, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum infection can spread to the lungs, causing a pulmonary infection [6].
• Invasive Diseases: The fungus can also cause invasive diseases in immunocompromised patients, including infections of the sinuses, lung, and brain [1][5].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the infection. If you suspect you or someone else has contracted Neoscytalidium dimidiatum infection, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

References:

[1] M Alamri · 2021 · Cited by 6 [3] by MT Nouri · 2018 · Cited by 64 [5] by M Alamri · 2021 · Cited by 6 [6] by B Dionne · 2015 · Cited by 38 [7] Symptoms of cankers included bark lesions, discoloration of xylem tissues, longitudinal wood necrosis, and extensive gumming.

Based on the available information, it appears that Neoscytalidium dimidiatum infections are relatively rare and can be challenging to diagnose.

Traditional Diagnostic Methods

Historically, the benomyl test was considered a fundamental diagnostic method for medical mycology in cases of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum infection [4]. However, this method may not be widely used or recommended today due to its limitations and potential inaccuracies.

Modern Diagnostic Approaches

More recent studies have focused on developing diagnostic criteria to differentiate fungal foot infections caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum and dermatophytes [5, 8]. These studies suggest that a combination of clinical presentation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies may be necessary for accurate diagnosis.

Clinical Presentation

The clinical presentation of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum infection can vary widely, but it often involves skin and nail infections, as well as invasive diseases of the sinuses, lung, and brain in immunocompromised patients [9]. A case report highlights the challenges of diagnosing this infection, particularly in post-renal transplant patients [9].

Diagnostic Criteria

A study aimed to develop diagnostic criteria for differentiating fungal foot infections caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum and dermatophytes [5, 8]. The proposed criteria include patient involvement in agricultural work, immunocompetent status, absence of pruritus, other concurrent fungal skin infections, or a family history of fungal infections as significant diagnostic predictors [1].

Limitations and Future Directions

While these studies provide valuable insights into the diagnosis of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum infection, further research is needed to refine and validate the proposed diagnostic criteria. Additionally, the development of more sensitive and specific diagnostic tests is essential for improving patient outcomes.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 2 [8] Context result 3 [9] Context result 9

Treatment Options for Neoscytalidium dimidiatum Infection

Neoscytalidium dimidiatum is a non-dermatophyte filamentous ascomycete that has been identified as a causative agent of onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nails [9]. While it was once considered an important infectious disease, its prevalence and treatment have evolved over time.

Classic Antifungal Drugs

The classic antifungal drugs, such as amphotericin B (AmB), have shown good in vitro activity against N. dimidiatum [3]. However, their use has been limited due to potential toxicity and the availability of more effective treatments.

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments, including amorolfine nail lacquer, have been used to treat N. dimidiatum infection [2]. Amorolfine has been shown to be effective in treating 52.8% of patients with N. dimidiatum infection [2].

Systemic Antifungal Therapy

Systemic antifungal therapy, including the combination of amphotericin B and terbinafine or itraconazole, have shown effectiveness in treating N. dimidiatum infection [5]. Itraconazole has been used to treat N. dimidiatum infection with good results, especially when combined with amorolfine nail lacquer [4].

Current Treatment Guidelines

While there is no standard effective treatment for N. dimidiatum infection, the current treatment guidelines suggest using systemic antifungal therapy, such as itraconazole or terbinafine, in combination with topical treatments like amorolfine nail lacquer.

References:

• [9] Neoscytalidium dimidiatum is a non- dermatophyte filamentous ascomycete of medical importance 1-4 that since 19705,6 has been described as a causative agent of onychomycosis.
• [3] The classic antifungal drugs show good in vitro activity against N. dimidiatum, including the most commonly used drug, amphotericin B (AmB) [10], [11].
• [2] Among 53 outpatients of N. dimidiatum infection, 28 (52.8%) were treated by amorolf

Differential Diagnosis of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum Infections

Neoscytalidium dimidiatum is an emerging fungus that causes a skin infection similar to dermatophytosis [4]. To differentiate fungal foot infections caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum and dermatophytes, several diagnostic criteria have been proposed.

Key Differences:

• Priority of Skin Involvement: Molds like Neoscytalidium dimidiatum tend to involve the skin more extensively than dermatophytes [2][3].
• Type of Lesions: Neoscytalidium dimidiatum infections often present with deeper cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions, whereas dermatophyte infections typically cause superficial skin lesions [9].
• Fungal Etiology: The presence of fungal etiology is a crucial factor in differentiating between the two types of infections. Neoscytalidium dimidiatum can be identified through laboratory tests such as microscopy and culture [4].

Diagnostic Criteria:

To accurately diagnose Neoscytalidium dimidiatum infections, healthcare professionals should consider the following diagnostic criteria:

• Clinical Presentation: Patients with Neoscytalidium dimidiatum infections often present with symptoms such as skin lesions, pain, and swelling.
• Laboratory Tests: Laboratory tests such as microscopy and culture can help identify the presence of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum.
• Imaging Studies: Imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans may be necessary to rule out other conditions that may mimic Neoscytalidium dimidiatum infections.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, differential diagnosis of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum infections requires a thorough understanding of the clinical presentation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. By considering these factors, healthcare professionals can accurately diagnose and treat patients with Neoscytalidium dimidiatum infections.

References:

[1] Not provided in context

[2] by T Razavyoon · 2022 · Cited by 5 — [Context #2]

[3] by T Razavyoon · 2022 · Cited by 5 — [Context #3]

[4] by RT da Silva · 2016 · Cited by 15 — [Context #4]

[5] Not provided in context

[6] by C Leeyaphan · 2023 — [Context #6]

[7] by C Leeyaphan · 2023 — [Context #7]

[8] by S Garinet · 2015 · Cited by 29 — [Context #9]

[10] Not provided in context