Gluteal abscess caused by Phialophora hoffmannii and review of the role of this organism in human mycoses

Abstract

Infections caused by members of the Phialophora hoffmannii (Beyma) Schol-Schwarz fungal aggregate (a group of related taxa, especially species of uncertain circumscription) are not reported frequently. This case report concerns the development of a gluteal abscess after multiple intramuscular injections of antimicrobial agents. Microbiological examination of the abscess material yielded a pure growth of the mold P. hoffmannii. Hyphal elements in the purulent exudate were only demonstrated when the specimen was digested by an N-acetyl cysteine-NaOH digestion-decontamination procedure or in stained paraffin block sections of the exudate. Other cases of disease caused by members of this fungal aggregate and the status of the mycology of this organism are reviewed.