Abstract

SALAS CAMPOS, Ingrid  and  HERNANDEZ-CHAVARRIA, Francisco. Fusarium como agente etiológico de onicomicosis: Informe de tres casos y revisión de la literatura. Rev. costarric. cienc. méd [online]. 2005, vol.26, n.1-2, pp.53-59. ISSN 0253-2948.

Dermatophytes and Candida spp. are the most common agents associated with onychomycosis. However, other fungi that are considered laboratory contaminants, such as Fusarium spp. have been isolated from this clinical condition as etiological agents. In the present communication, three cases of onychomycosis caused by Fusarium are described. The nail of one of the patients exhibited an intense dark green color, which is a rare finding in this pathology. In all cases the fungus was repeatedly isolated. The importance of identifying the etiological agent is emphasized since conventional treatment for onychomycosis is ineffective against Fusarium.

Keywords : Onychomycosis; Fusarium; antifungal treatment; electron microscopy.