Chromoblastomycosis in Kerala, India.

BACKGROUND: We are reporting 35 new cases of Chromoblastomycosis from Central Kerala. A majority of the cases from India are reported from the Sub Himalayan belt and South India. The disease scenario in India and abroad is briefly reviewed.

AIMS: To study chromoblastomycosis in Central Kerala including the demographic and clinico- investigative profile.

METHODS: This report is a retrospective record analysis of 35 cases of chromoblastomycosis who presented to the Dermatology Outpatient department of our tertiary center from January 2003 to July 2010 after obtaining Institutional Review Board approval.

RESULTS: The disease was found to be more common among male agriculturists. The majority of cases were from the central districts of Kerala in and around the Western Ghats. The lower extremity (60%) was more affected with 40% of the subjects remembering a prior history of trauma. Sclerotic bodies were demonstrable in scrapings from black dots in 42.8%. The characteristic mixed mycotic granuloma was demonstrable in 77.1% of cases. The most common species isolated was Fonsecaea pedrosoi.

CONCLUSIONS: Chromoblastomycosis is very common in Central Kerala. The disease mainly affects male agriculturists especially those employed in rubber plantations. The most common organism is F. pedrosoi.