Fusarium spp.—An Emerging Pathogen in Chronic Diabetic Ulcer: Case Report and Review of the Literature. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: João, Ana Luísa; Lencastre, André; Dutra, Eduardo; Pessoa e Costa, Tomás; Formiga, Ana; Neves, José
• Is Part Of: International journal of lower extremity wounds. Volume 20:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 67
• Page End: 72
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: diabetic foot ulcer -- wound infection -- Fusarium; Leg -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Wounds and injuries -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Leg -- Ulcers -- Periodicals; Wound healing -- Periodicals; 617.584
• DOI: 10.1177/1534734619879030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1534-7346

Abstract

The genus Fusarium is ubiquitous in the environment and has been emerging as an opportunistic human pathogen. We report the case of a 65-year-old man with a history of neuroischemic, otherwise unamenable to revascularization, diabetic foot, who was admitted due to an infected deep foot ulcer. Despite conventional antibiotic and wound care treatment, no improvement was initially observed. A reappraisal of the diagnosis, with microbiological and histological analyses, documented infection of the foot ulcer with Fusarium oxysporum . Clinical improvement was noted under prolonged oral voriconazole therapy. The present case broadens the differential diagnosis of diabetic foot infection. Subcutaneous fusariosis should be considered in recalcitrant infected diabetic ulcers, as early diagnosis and management may help prevent amputation and life-threatening disease.