Widespread cutaneous involvement by invasive Apophysomyces elegans in a gravid patient following trauma

Abstract

Invasive infections in humans with organisms from the fungal subclass Zygomycetes are most commonly seen in immunocompromised and diabetic patients. Rarely, such fungal infections may be seen in immunocompetent, nondiabetic individuals. In these cases, cutaneous trauma with direct implantation of fungal organisms into the wound from soil contamination is the frequent scenario. We present the case of a 31-year-old gravid woman involved in a single-vehicle automobile accident who presented to our institution with severe head trauma. On admission, a small ecchymotic area on her right forearm was noted. The lesion eventually expanded and ulcerated. Culture and histologic examination of tissue from the site revealed fungal organisms consistent with Zygomycetes. Subsequent studies confirmed the fungal organism as Apophysomyces elegans. Antifungal therapy was initiated, and multiple debridements were performed. Amputation of the right arm above the elbow was eventually necessary, but aggressive surgical intervention and antifungal therapy were unsuccessful in preventing the spread of the infection. The patient died 2 weeks after admission from polymicrobial sepsis. This case illustrates the dangerously invasive nature of A elegans, even in immunocompetent individuals.