Post-surgical zygomycotic necrotizing subcutaneous infection caused by Absidia corymbifera

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Necrotizing infections of skin and subcutaneous tissue are typically bacterial.
• Fungal infections, particularly from Zygomycetes, can rarely cause acute necrotizing infections.
• Predisposing factors, both local and systemic, are associated with these severe infections.

Observation:

• A patient developed a necrotizing subcutaneous infection two weeks after an appendectomy.
• The causative agent was identified as Absidia corymbifera, a fungus from the Zygomycetes class.
• This presentation occurred in the context of a post-surgical complication.

Findings:

• The patient's necrotizing subcutaneous infection was successfully managed.
• Treatment involved a combination of surgical debridement and antifungal therapy.
• Specific interventions included topical amphotericin B and oral potassium iodide.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering fungal etiologies in necrotizing soft tissue infections, especially post-operatively.
• It demonstrates the efficacy of a multi-modal treatment approach including surgical intervention and targeted antifungal agents.
• Highlights Absidia corymbifera as a potential pathogen in this clinical setting and the utility of potassium iodide as an adjunct therapy.