Rapidly progressive necrotizing cellulitis secondary to Candida tropicalis infection in an immunocompromised host

Abstract

The incidence of invasive fungal infection is increasing as the population of immunosuppressed patients grows. Many species that were previously thought to be benign are now known pathogens. The most commonly isolated organisms (>80 %) include Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus. However, there are several new and emerging organisms. The Non-albicans species of Candida are one of the emerging invasive fungal organisms that are beginning to affect high-risk patients such as those with bone marrow transplant, neutropenia, HIV/AIDS or on immunosuppressive therapy. We present a case of a patient who suffered with angioinvasive non-Albicans Candidal infection, leading to a life-threatening necrotizing cellulitis. Keywords: Invasive fungal infection, Cellulitis, Candida tropicalis, Opportunistic infections