Tinea nigra caused by Cladosporium halotolerans: first molecularly confirmed locally acquired case in Chile

ABSTRACT Tinea nigra is an uncommon superficial fungal infection that may clinically mimic melanocytic lesions. We report a case of tinea nigra in a 61-year-old Chilean male presenting with asymptomatic pigmented acral macules on the toes. Dermoscopic examination showed a reticulated pigmentation pattern with a pseudo- parallel ridge pattern. Direct microscopic examination revealed pigmented septate hyphae, and fungal culture was positive. Molecular identification by sequencing of the actin and internal transcribed spacer region confirmed Cladosporium halotolerans as the etiological agent. To our knowledge, this represents the first molecularly confirmed case of tinea nigra caused by C. halotolerans locally acquired in Chile. 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.