Kerion celsi due to Microsporum audouinii: a severe form in an immunocompetent girl

Abstract

A 9-year-old girl presented a large inflammatory cup-shaped scalp lesion with alopecia surrounded by pustules, dander, and suppuration associated with an occipital inflammatory lymphadenopathy for 1 month. Wood’s light exam was positive as well as KOH mount showing ectothrix type hair involvement. Hair and pus culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) added with chloramphenicol and supplemented with cycloheximide isolated a dermatophyte species identified as Microsporum audouinii according to the colonies features. Species identification was confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF MS) and the patient was treated for kerion celsi with terbinafine tablets 125 mg per day associated with a ketoconazole-based shampoo. The evolution was favorable, with hair regrowth after 2 months.