Multifocal cutaneous mucormycosis complicating polymicrobial wound infections in a tsunami survivor from Sri Lanka.
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.
Andresen
David
D
Department of Microbiology, South Eastern Area Laboratory Services, St George Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Donaldson
Annabelle
A
Choo
Lennart
L
Knox
Adrian
A
Klaassen
Michael
M
Ursic
Caesar
C
Vonthethoff
Leon
L
Krilis
Steven
S
Konecny
Pamela
P
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*