Background: Penicillium marneffei infection is an important emerging public health problem caused by a dimorphic fungus. Microscopically, the mold form is typical of other Penicillium species with hyaline septate hyphae and fruiting structures composing of branching metulae and phialides which produce spherical conidia in chains.
Objective To report one of very rarely occurring disease in Pakistan, Although mostly seen in patients of AIDS, In our case it is reported in immunocompromised individual due to corticosteroids for the treatment of SLE.
Discussion 32 Years old married female patient presented to dermatology OPD with the complaints of rash over perineum, face, arms and scalp. She was known case of SLE and was on high dose of corticosteroids for it. On examination there were few umblicated papules along with scaly erythematous ill-defined rash over arms and perineum, while on face the rash were well defined scaly erythematous plaque. On scalp there were broken hair at the opening of follicles giving appearance of black dots. Skin scrappings were done for KOH mount and were sent for culture and sensitivity as well. On culture filamentous mould was yielded, Characteristics and microscopic appearance of isolate was consistent with Penicillium spp. Patient was given itraconazole and the lesions almost disappeared in three weeks. Thus early diagnosis with prompt initiation of treatment is crucial for its management.
Conclusion All the patients presenting with molluscum contagiosum like lesions in immunocompromised individuals should be investigated for penicillium marneffi infection, Prompt diagnosis can often be established through careful cytological and histological examination of clinical specimens although microbiological culture remains the gold standard for diagnosis.