Which of the following subcutaneous mycoses may exhibit respiratory and cerebral forms?
a. Chromoblastomycosis
b. Mycetoma
c. Phaeohyphomycosis
d. Sporotrichosis

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of subcutaneous mycoses, which are fungal infections primarily affecting the skin and underlying tissues, often entering through trauma but sometimes capable of spreading to other organs.
2. Step 2: Review each option's typical clinical presentation and potential for systemic involvement: chromoblastomycosis and mycetoma usually remain localized to skin and subcutaneous tissues; sporotrichosis primarily affects lymphatic channels but can disseminate in immunocompromised hosts.
3. Step 3: Focus on phaeohyphomycosis, which is caused by dematiaceous (pigmented) fungi and is known for its ability to cause not only localized subcutaneous infections but also respiratory and cerebral forms, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
4. Step 4: Compare the systemic potential of each disease, noting that phaeohyphomycosis is the one most commonly associated with respiratory and cerebral involvement among the listed options.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the subcutaneous mycosis capable of exhibiting respiratory and cerebral forms is phaeohyphomycosis, based on its known clinical spectrum.

Key Concepts

Subcutaneous Mycoses

Subcutaneous mycoses are fungal infections that primarily affect the skin and underlying tissues, usually following traumatic implantation of fungi. These infections are typically localized but can sometimes disseminate to other organs, depending on the fungal species and host immunity.

Dissemination and Clinical Forms of Subcutaneous Mycoses

Some subcutaneous mycoses can spread beyond the skin to involve respiratory or central nervous system sites, leading to respiratory or cerebral forms. Understanding which fungi have this potential is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, as dissemination often indicates a more severe infection.

Characteristics of Specific Subcutaneous Mycoses

Each subcutaneous mycosis—chromoblastomycosis, mycetoma, phaeohyphomycosis, and sporotrichosis—has distinct clinical and pathological features. Notably, phaeohyphomycosis is known for its ability to cause respiratory and cerebral infections, unlike the others which are mostly localized.