Fungal Necrotizing Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

Purpose of Review: This review summarizes the medical literature regarding fungal necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections (NSTI). The available epidemiologic, microbiologic, treatment, and outcome data are presented by the most common causal organisms of this disease process. Recent Findings: With the exception of cutaneous mucormycosis, which often progresses to necrotizing infection, clinical data for other fungal NSTI are largely limited to case reports and small case series. Fungal NSTI are rare but some data suggests that incidence may be increasing. These infections occur in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts, especially following trauma. Mortality varies by host factors, organism, and extent of disease. Foundations of treatment include targeted antifungal therapy and aggressive surgical debridement. Summary: Fungal NSTI is a rarely described clinical entity associated with a high mortality. More study is needed to better understand the epidemiology and optimal management of these infections.