# Cutaneous Alternariosis Caused by Alternaria infectoria: A Case Report in Kidney Transplant Recipient and Literature Review

## TL;DR

A kidney transplant recipient developed a rare fungal skin infection caused by Alternaria infectoria, successfully treated with antifungal drugs and surgery.

## Contribution

This case report adds a new clinical example of cutaneous alternariosis in transplant recipients and emphasizes combined treatment approaches.

## Key findings

- Cutaneous alternariosis in transplant recipients can resemble bacterial or neoplastic lesions and requires accurate diagnosis.
- Successful treatment involved systemic azole therapy and surgical excision without recurrence.
- Monitoring drug interactions and immunosuppressive levels is crucial to prevent toxicity or organ rejection.

## Abstract

Cutaneous infections caused by dematiaceous fungi are rare in the general population but are increasingly recognized in solid organ transplant recipients as a consequence of prolonged immunosuppression. When Alternaria species are confirmed as the causative agents of a skin infection, the condition is referred to as alternariosis. These infections may clinically resemble bacterial or neoplastic lesions and require accurate diagnosis and individualized therapy. We report one case of cutaneous alternariosis in a kidney transplant recipient receiving tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. The patient was a 47-year-old woman who sustained minor trauma to her knee three months after transplantation. She developed an ulcerated, crusted lesion, which coincided with severe neutropenia. Histology, culture and molecular identification confirmed A. infectoria. Treatment included systemic azole therapy (voriconazole followed by isavuconazole) and surgical excision, resulting in resolution without recurrence. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of alternariosis in transplant recipients. Successful management typically requires combined surgical and systemic antifungal therapy, with careful monitoring of drug interactions and immunosuppressive levels to prevent toxicity or rejection.