Cutaneous Bipolaris spicifera Infection

† Bipolaris spicifera is a dematiaceous fungus that has rarely been reported to cause cutaneous infection in humans. A patient with leukemia was examined for a nonhealing ulcer on her leg that developed following minor trauma. Histopathologic study revealed groups of nonpigmented, septate fungal hyphae located predominantly in the necrotic ulcer base. Cultures of a biopsy specimen yielded colonies that were gray to black with a black reverse. Microscopic examination revealed dematiaceous, straight, oblong conidia consistent with B spicifera . The ulcer was successfully treated with surgical excision, skin graft, and amphotericin B. ( Arch Dermatol . 1989;125:1383-1386)