Aspergillus wound infection in an immune-competent patient – A case report

Abstract

• Abdominal surgical site aspergillosis can be seen in an immunocompetent patient. • Surgical site aspergillosis is a form of cutaneous aspergillosis. • Prevention of surgical site aspergillosis combines clinical and environmental considerations. • Therapy involves medical and surgical approach for optimal outcomes. Abdominal aspergillosis is a life-threatening, opportunistic fungal infection that mainly affects immunocompromised patients. In this report, we present a case of abdominal surgical site aspergillosis in an immunocompetent patient. A 74-year-old immune-competent woman that had a prolonged hospitalization in the Intensive Care (ICU) Unit with several abdominal surgeries and multiple antibiotic treatment regimens. The abdomen remained open between interventions. 21 days following ICU admission a diagnosis of surgical site aspergillosis was made, treated with systemic and topical antifungal treatment. While nosocomial aspergillosis typically affects immunocompromised patients, immunocompetent patients also become susceptible when the skin barrier is broken and tissue is exposed to the environment. Treatment consisted with surgical debridement and systemic antifungal therapy. This case provides an example of extensive and rare surgical infection.