CASE REPORT: Post-traumatic cutaneous mucormycosis in an immunocompetent patient

Fungi of the class Zygomycetes, order Mucorales, cause deepseated infections in immunosuppressed individuals, such as those with hematologic malignancies, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, and patients on immunosuppressive therapy. Typically an airborne disease, primary infection is initiated in the upper or lower airways and is associated with the clinical development of sinusitis, rhinocerebral mucormycosis, or pulmonary infection. Dissemination to other sites may occur if patients do not receive aggressive surgical and medical therapy. Primary cutaneous mucormycosis is uncommon and has been associated with the use of elasticized surgical bandages, burns, and trauma. We report a case of cutaneous mucormycosis due to Rhizopus microsporus in a young immunocompetent patient following a severe traumatic injury to his lower limb