Necrotizing cutaneous zygomycosis by Saksenaea vasiformis in post-COVID-19 individual: A rare case report

Abstract

We report a rare case of cutaneous zygomycosis by Saksenaea vasiformis in post-COVID-19 individuals. A 55-year-old patient was COVID-19 positive and treated as per the protocols. Following recovery after 5 weeks, presents to the surgery outpatient department with complaints of slowly progressive cutaneous lesion developed into ulcerative lesion over the left lateral part of the abdomen, hip, and thigh. Based on histopathological and microbiological findings, he was diagnosed with as a case of cutaneous zygomycosis by S. vasiformis. Initially, conservative management with intravenous amphotericin B was given and followed by surgical debridement; later, the patient succumbed. In general, mucormycosis is associated with immunosuppression or debilitating diseases. The mode of entry for molds and spores of zygomycetes is through the respiratory tract through the nose and then reaches the sinuses, orbit, and intracranial structures. Hence, early clinical diagnosis, direct smears, and proper interventions lead to a good prognosis and reduced morbidity caused by zygomycosis. The therapeutic management of fungal infection is quite challenging; hence diagnosing zygomycosis at the earliest will be appropriate, especially in an immunocompromised state. The misusing of prophylactic drugs, steroids, and immunosuppressants for COVID-19 should be avoided and must be used as per protocol and guidelines.

Keywords

• cutaneous zygomycosis
• immunosuppressed
• post-covid-19
• saksenaea vasiformis