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Refractory Dermatophytosis and Oral Hairy Leukoplakia as Sentinel Manifestations of Advanced HIV Infection

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Dermatophytosis is usually a benign superficial fungal infection, but in immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with advanced HIV infection, it may present with extensive, recurrent, and treatment-resistant lesions. We report the case of a 28-year-old woman with widespread dermatophytosis involving the trunk, extremities, and genital region, accompanied by oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) on the lateral tongue. The lesions were refractory to repeated topical antifungal therapies, leading to diagnostic delay. Mycological analysis identified Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Further evaluation confirmed advanced HIV infection, with a cluster of differentiation 4 + (CD4+) T-cell count of 63 cells/mm³. Despite advanced immunosuppression, the HIV viral load was low-level and confirmed on repeat testing. The patient was treated with systemic terbinafine and antiretroviral therapy (ART) (Genvoya), resulting in marked improvement and the complete resolution of lesions within two months. This case emphasizes the diagnostic value of concurrent, treatment-resistant mucocutaneous manifestations as sentinel indicators of advanced HIV infection.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.99440

Authors: Theodora Douvali, Varvara Vasalou, Stamatios Gregoriou, Alexander Stratigos, Electra Nicolaidou

Institutions: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Andreas Sygros Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Nail Diseases and Treatments

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4417424018