Cutaneous mucormycosis. Two documented cases of suspected nosocomial cause

Abstract

Localized, spontaneously healing ulcers due to Rhizopus rhizopodoformis developed under postoperative wound dressings in 2 orthopedic patients. Clinically and morphologically similar ulcers of unconfirmed cause appeared in 2 other patients. This rare cutaneous form of mucormycosis, occurring in nondiabetic, nonimmunosuppressed patients, is suspected to have been caused by skin inoculation under contaminated dressing material. A skin biopsy specimen is important for prompt and definitive diagnosis of cutaneous mucormycosis, especially in immunosuppressed patients.