Utility of molecular identification in opportunistic mycotic infections:: a case of cutaneous Alternaria infectoria infection in a cardiac transplant recipient

We report on a case of cutaneous infection caused by Alternaria infectoria in a cardiac transplant recipient. A rapid molecular diagnosis was obtained by sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer domain of the 5.8S ribosomall DNA region amplified from colonies developed on Sabouraud medium. Treatment consisted of a combination of systemic antifungall therapy, first with amphotericin B and then with itraconazole.