Protothecosis in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Abstract

A rare case of protothecosis in a 40-year-old Japanese woman with systemic lupus erythematosus, under long-term prednisolone treatment is presented. The patient developed extensive ulcerative skin lesions after injury. The characteristic histopathological findings and biochemical sugar assimilation tests indicated infection by Prototheca wicherhamii. The lesions improved following treatment with amphotericin B. The immunodeficient state of this patient seemed to contribute to the infection with Prototheca.