Prototheca wickerhamii
Encyclopedia
Prototheca wickerhamii is a ubiquitous alga that does not have chlorophyll
. It is widely present in the environment and is a rare cause of infection in humans (protothecosis
), which most commonly presents as nodules of the skin. Most cases reported have a suppressed immune system (from drugs or disease).
, itraconazole
, posaconazole
and voriconazole
have all been tried.
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in almost all plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. Its name is derived from the Greek words χλωρος, chloros and φύλλον, phyllon . Chlorophyll is an extremely important biomolecule, critical in photosynthesis, which allows plants to obtain energy from light...
. It is widely present in the environment and is a rare cause of infection in humans (protothecosis
Protothecosis
Protothecosis is a disease found in dogs, cats, cattle, and humans caused by a type of green alga known as Prototheca that lacks chlorophyll. It and its close relative Helicosporidium are unusual in that they are actually green algae that have become parasites. The two most common species are...
), which most commonly presents as nodules of the skin. Most cases reported have a suppressed immune system (from drugs or disease).
Identification
Diagnosis can be made through culture of infected fluid in Sabouraud dextrose agar or by visualization of sporangia containing sporangiospores on tissue biopsy (using hematoxylin/eosin, GMS, or PAS histochemical stains).Antimicrobial therapy
Treatment is not standardized. Amphotericin BAmphotericin B
Amphotericin B is a polyene antifungal drug, often used intravenously for systemic fungal infections...
, itraconazole
Itraconazole
Itraconazole , invented in 1984, is a triazole antifungal agent that is prescribed to patients with fungal infections. The drug may be given orally or intravenously.-Medical uses:...
, posaconazole
Posaconazole
Posaconazole is a triazole antifungal drug.Posaconazole is marketed in the United States, the European Union, and in other countries by Schering-Plough under the trade name Noxafil...
and voriconazole
Voriconazole
Voriconazole is a triazole antifungal medication that is generally used to treat serious, invasive fungal infections. These are generally seen in patients who are immunocompromised, and include invasive candidiasis, invasive aspergillosis, and certain emerging fungal infections.-Invasive...
have all been tried.