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Systemic Apophysomyces elegans after trauma: case report and literature review
Jue Wang1, Charles M Harvey, Jason H Calhoun
1Division of Surgical Infectious Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550-1115, USA. juewang@utmb.edu
Surgical Infections
|January 25, 2003
Summary
A rare systemic fungal infection caused by Apophysomyces elegans occurred in a patient after trauma. Despite treatment, the infection led to multi-organ failure and death, highlighting the aggressive nature of this mucoraceous fungus.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Apophysomyces elegans is a rare mucoraceous fungus.
- Fungal infections can be life-threatening, especially in immunocompromised individuals or following trauma.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old patient developed a progressive skin lesion after a motor vehicle crash.
- Histopathology revealed non-septated hyphae, indicative of mucoraceous fungi.
Findings:
- The patient succumbed to multi-organ failure despite surgical debridement and amphotericin B treatment.
- Autopsy confirmed systemic fungal involvement.
- Fungal cultures identified Apophysomyces elegans, characterized by specific morphological features.
Implications:
- This case underscores the aggressive potential of Apophysomyces elegans infections.
- Early diagnosis and aggressive management are crucial for improving outcomes.
- Further research into Apophysomyces elegans pathogenesis and treatment is warranted.