Human Curvularia infections

Abstract

$\text{Curvularia}$$\text{lunata}$ is a saprobic dematiaceous mould that resides primarily in soil (Ellis, 1966). Reports of human disease caused by this organism are rare but include: endocarditis, brain abscess, skin infections, onychomycosis, keratitis, pneumonia, disseminated disease, mycetoma, allergic bronchopulmonary disease, and one case of sinusitis. Since 1983, we have encountered five cases of paranasal sinusitis due to $\text{C.}$$\text{lunata}$. None of the patients suffered from known immunologic disorders or underlying debilitating diseases. These five cases are presented and the literature of human phaeohyphomycosis caused by $\text{Curvularia}$ spp. is reviewed.