Fungal osteomyelitis of calcaneus due to Candida albicans: a case report

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Osteomyelitis is a difficult bone infection to treat.
• Opportunistic fungal pathogens are increasingly implicated in bone infections due to risk factors like broad-spectrum antibiotic use and immunocompromised states.
• Fungal osteomyelitis, particularly in the foot, is infrequently reported in medical literature.

Observation:

• A rare case of fungal osteomyelitis affecting the calcaneus (heel bone) was observed.
• The affected patient was an elderly female.
• The infection was localized to the calcaneus.

Findings:

• The patient was successfully treated with surgical debridement of the infected bone.
• A 6-week course of oral fluconazole was administered as antifungal therapy.
• This treatment regimen led to a positive outcome for the fungal osteomyelitis.

Implications:

• This case contributes to the limited data on fungal osteomyelitis of the foot.
• It demonstrates a viable treatment approach for localized fungal osteomyelitis of the calcaneus.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate management, including surgical intervention and targeted antifungal therapy, are crucial for successful outcomes in rare fungal bone infections.