title: Multifocal cutaneous mucormycosis complicating polymicrobial wound infections in a tsunami survivor from Sri Lanka.
abstract: A man injured in the tsunami of Dec 26, 2004, returned to Sydney for management of his soft-tissue injuries. Despite broad-spectrum antibiotics, surgical wound debridement, and vigilant wound care, his condition worsened. Muscle and fat necrosis developed in a previously debrided thigh wound, and necrotising lesions arose from previous abrasions. Histological analysis showed mucormycosis in three non-contiguous sites, and Apophysomyces elegans was isolated from excised wound tissue. Wound infections, both bacterial and fungal, will undoubtedly add to the morbidity and mortality already recorded in tsunami-affected areas. Other cases [correction] of cutaneous mucormycosis might develop in survivors, but this disease can be difficult to diagnose and even harder to treat, particularly in those remaining in affected regions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, South Eastern Area Laboratory Services, St George Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Andresen
authors.forename: Annabelle
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Donaldson
authors.forename: Lennart
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Choo
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Knox
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Klaassen
authors.forename: Caesar
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ursic
authors.forename: Leon
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vonthethoff
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Krilis
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Konecny
mesh_terms: D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D004190:Disasters; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009091:Mucormycosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D018461:Soft Tissue Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000382:microbiology*; D013188:Sri Lanka; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000382:microbiology*