Invasive Synergistic Fungal Infection After Motor Vehicle Collision

Primary invasive fungal infections occur after direct contact or direct inoculation of the skin with fungal spores. Rhizopus species and Aspergillus terreus are opportunistic fungal species that rarely cause disease in immunocompetent hosts. In susceptible patients, infection may progress rapidly. Aggressive surgical debridement and use of systemic antimycotic agents may successfully control disease and prevent systemic dissemination. We describe the case of a patient with a scalp infection, caused by Rhizopus species and A terreus, that occurred after contact with pavement during a motor vehicle collision. Control was achieved with repeated debridement and use of systemic antifungal therapy.