Abstract:
Invasive phycomycotic fungal infections are life-threatening complications in patients with impaired immune response. A successful outcome usually depends on early aggressive treatment. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy has been suggested as adjuvant therapy based on theoretical considerations and in vitro evidence of fungal growth retardation. A standard gas gangrene HBO protocol was used to treat a progressive necrotizing polymicrobial soft-tissue infection of the lower extremity in a patient with normal host defenses. Progression of the fungal infection was stopped only after radical surgical debridement. This Phycomycetes (Apophycomyces elegans) has not been previously reported as a pathogen in man.
Newton, Cramer, Norwood, , , , , , (1987). Necrotizing fasciitis from invasive Phycomycetes. Critical care medicine, 1987 Apr;15(4):331-2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3816279