Fatal post-traumatic zygomycosis in an immunocompetent young patient

J Med Microbiol. 2007 Sep;56(Pt 9):1243-1245. doi: 10.1099/jmm.0.46993-0.

Abstract

Zygomycosis, a relatively uncommon infection, usually occurs among immunocompromised individuals. It has been reported only rarely in trauma patients. A fatal case is reported of pulmonary and rapidly progressive cutaneous zygomycosis in a young, otherwise healthy farmer, with multiple bone fractures, wounds and soft tissue injuries after an accident with an agricultural machine in the field. Rhizopus spp. was isolated from both cultures of bronchial washings and wound samples. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination of tissue specimens from a large wound. Despite systemic antifungal therapy and surgical debridement, the patient's condition deteriorated and he died from refractory septic shock.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / microbiology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Rhizopus / isolation & purification*
  • Shock, Septic
  • Wounds and Injuries / complications*
  • Wounds and Injuries / microbiology
  • Zygomycosis / complications
  • Zygomycosis / diagnosis*
  • Zygomycosis / drug therapy
  • Zygomycosis / surgery

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents