Extensive and deep dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitalis in an HIV-1 positive patient.

Background: Cutaneous infections are common in HIV-1 positive patients and are usually severe, recurrent, and caused by microorganisms that are unusual in immunocompetent patients.

Objective: We report a case of an HIV-1-positive 23-year-old male, with a history of intravenous drug use, in stage C-II (CDC '86), with a CD4 lymphocyte count of 335 cells/mm3. He had multiple, large erythematous, circinate and pustular plaques on his abdomen, back, arms and legs.

Results: We isolated Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitalis from the lesions. The biopsy showed suppurative deep dermatophytosis and folliculitis. The patient satisfactorily responded to itraconazole (100 mg/d for 14 days).

Conclusion: This is the first reported case of deep dermatophytosis caused by T. mentagrophytes in an HIV-positive patient.