Rhinocerebral mucormycosis caused by Apophysomyces elegans

Abstract

Mucormycosis is an uncommon fungal disease and one of the most fulminant infections known. This is the second report of rhinocerebral mucormycosis caused by Apophysomyces elegans, a newly recognized genus and species classified in the family Mucoraceae. The patient was a 54-year-old man being treated for a severe sinus infection with antibiotics and oral steroids. Recovery occurred in our patient after prompt surgical debridement and drainage of his maxillary sinuses. This case fits the reported characteristics of other A. elegans infections including warm climate, intimate contact with the soil, and an incubation period measured in days. Several reported cases indicate A. elegans can cause mucormycosis in immunocompetent individuals with no underlying medical problems.