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Invasive infection due to Apophysomyces elegans in immunocompetent hosts

W G Weinberg1, B H Wade, G Cierny

  • 1Southeast Permanente Medical Group, Atlanta, Georgia.

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|November 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

A rare fungal infection caused by Apophysomyces elegans led to severe cellulitis and bone infection in a healthy man. Treatment involved antifungal medication and surgical removal of infected tissue.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Zygomycoses are a group of fungal infections, often associated with underlying health conditions.
  • Apophysomyces elegans is a rare fungal genus known to cause infections.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy 59-year-old man presented with necrotizing cellulitis and osteomyelitis.
  • The infection occurred at the site of a suspected insect bite or sting.
  • Apophysomyces elegans was identified as the causative pathogen.

Findings:

  • This case represents the seventh reported infection caused by Apiphenylomyces elegans.
  • Six out of seven reported cases occurred in individuals without significant underlying diseases.
  • Treatment required intravenous amphotericin B and en bloc resection for successful cure.

Implications:

  • Apiphenylomyces elegans infections can occur in immunocompetent individuals, unlike many other zygomycoses.
  • Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, including surgical intervention, are crucial for managing these infections.
  • Further research into the pathogenesis and epidemiology of Apiphenylomyces elegans is warranted.

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