A rare case of invasive necrotizing myositis of the thigh caused by Basidiobolus ranarum: a multi-pronged approach to successfully managing a near-fatal polybacterial mycotic infection
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 8/3/2025
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Summary
A 46-year-old man developed a severe fungal infection caused by a rare fungus called Basidiobolus ranarum in his thigh, which started from an insect bite two years earlier. The infection caused tissue death and was complicated by bacterial superinfection, requiring aggressive treatment with multiple antibiotics and antifungal medications along with several surgeries. Doctors used a combination approach including voriconazole, potassium iodide, and itraconazole to finally control the infection, though amputation was necessary due to the extent of tissue damage. The case highlights the importance of early medical care and demonstrates that rare fungal infections can be life-threatening even in otherwise healthy people.
Background
Basidiobolomycosis is a rare fungal infection typically presenting as subcutaneous lesions. Traumatic fungal diseases present significant treatment challenges, particularly in cases with progressive deep soft tissue colonization. This case reports an unusual presentation of invasive necrotizing myositis complicated by secondary bacterial sepsis.
Objective
To report a rare case of necrotizing deep soft-tissue myositis caused by Basidiobolus ranarum in an immunocompetent patient and describe a multi-pronged treatment approach for managing this life-threatening polybacterial mycotic infection.
Results
A 46-year-old immunocompetent man with chronic thigh ulcer was diagnosed with Basidiobolus ranarum infection confirmed by morphological identification and culture. Treatment required dual antifungal therapy (voriconazole and oral potassium iodide), broad-spectrum antibiotics, and multiple surgical debridements with eventual amputation. Complete wound healing was achieved after 6 weeks with extended oral itraconazole therapy.
Conclusion
Although subcutaneous Basidiobolus infection is documented, frank necrotizing infection of this severity in immunocompetent patients is unprecedented. A multipronged approach combining dual systemic antifungal agents, antibiotics, and multiple surgeries was essential to control the infection. Early medical intervention and timely diagnosis could have preserved the limb.
- Published in:Current Medical Mycology,
- Study Type:Case Report,
- Source: PMID: 41122114, DOI: 10.22034/cmm.2025.345248.1614