Majocchi's granuloma: a symptom complex caused by fungal pathogens

Med Mycol. 2012 Jul;50(5):449-57. doi: 10.3109/13693786.2012.669503. Epub 2012 Mar 21.

Abstract

Majocchi's granuloma (MG) is a well-recognized but uncommon infection of dermal and subcutaneous tissues that is caused by mold fungi. Although primarily caused by keratinophilic dermatophytes such as anthropophilic Trichophyton rubrum, species from the Aspergillus and Phoma genera have been occasionally detected as etiologic agents of MG. In both healthy individuals and immunocompromised hosts, MG often presents as nodules, plaques, and papules on areas that are prone to trauma. Although MG generally appears on the upper and lower extremities (forearms, hands, legs, or ankles), it occasionally appears on the scalp and face. The clinical, mycologic, and/or cytologic diagnosis should be confirmed by the demonstration of perifollicular granulomatous inflammation by histologic examination. This review focuses on the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, laboratory diagnostic methods (including the Tzanck smear test), etiologic agents, histopathologic characteristics, and therapeutic approaches to the treatment of MG.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Aspergillus / isolation & purification
  • Causality
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dermatomycoses* / diagnosis
  • Dermatomycoses* / drug therapy
  • Dermatomycoses* / microbiology
  • Dermatomycoses* / pathology
  • Female
  • Granuloma* / diagnosis
  • Granuloma* / drug therapy
  • Granuloma* / microbiology
  • Granuloma* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Trichophyton / isolation & purification
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents