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Updated: Feb 14, 2026
Rat Burn Model to Study Full-Thickness Cutaneous Thermal Burn and Infection
Published on: August 23, 2022
The first isolation of Westerdykella dispersa in a critically burned patient
Bretislav Lipovy1,2, Iva Kocmanova3, Jakub Holoubek4,5
1Department of Burns and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Brno, Jihlavska 20, 620 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
Patients with critical thermal trauma belong to one of the most high-risk groups for development of infectious complications. Fungal infections are not among frequent complications during therapy of patients with thermal trauma, yet their incidence dramatically aggravates the prognosis for patients with this disorder. In the case report, we present the case of a young man with a critical burn, where Westerdykella dispersa was isolated. Identification of the pathogen was provided with a combination of cultivation and molecular biological confirmation. In this case, the distinction between infection and colonization was very complicated. Histopathological examination for definitive diagnosis of infection was not performed because the material from unburned soft tissue sampling could further compromise the function of the hand. Repeated cultivation and molecular identification W. dispersa before and after the necrectomy is indicative of infection rather than colonization. It is the second documented case of positive cultivation with this pathogen in humans and the first such case in a non-neutropenic host.
Insights
This case report details a rare fungal infection, Westerdykella dispersa, in a burn patient. This finding highlights the potential for unusual fungal pathogens in critical thermal trauma cases.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Burn Care
Background:
- Patients with critical thermal trauma face a high risk of infectious complications.
- Fungal infections, though infrequent, significantly worsen outcomes in burn patients.
Observation:
- A case report of a young man with critical thermal trauma is presented.
- Westerdykella dispersa was isolated from the patient, confirmed by cultivation and molecular methods.
- Distinguishing between infection and colonization by W. dispersa was challenging.
Findings:
- Repeated isolation of W. dispersa before and after necrectomy suggested infection over colonization.
- This represents the second documented human case of W. dispersa cultivation.
- It is the first reported case in a non-neutropenic host.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare fungal pathogens in burn wound infections.
- Accurate identification and differentiation from colonization are crucial for appropriate patient management.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical significance and treatment of W. dispersa infections in immunocompetent burn patients.
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