Primary oral Penicillium marneffei infection diagnosed by PCR-based molecular identification and transmission electron microscopic observation from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues

We report a case of primary oral Penicillium marneffei infection in a 39-year-old man without HIV infection. Although fungal culture was negative, the patient was finally confirmed to have P. marneffei infection by PCR-based molecular identification and transmission electron microscopic observation from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. The patient was cured with taking itraconazole for 3 months.

► Primary P. marneffei infection in an immunocompetent (non-HIV). ► Restricted to the oral mucosa (non-systemic). ► Pathogen was identified by non-culture-based methods (histopathology, TEM, PCR and sequence). ► Having been initially misdiagnosed as leishmaniasis. ► Complete cure was achieved with itraconazole.