Diagnosis and Treatment of Invasive Aspergillus fumigatus Wound Infection Following Subtotal Colectomy for Perforated Toxic Megacolon in an Immunosuppressed Patient.

INTRODUCTION: Aspergillus is a rare cause of surgical site infection most often seen in immunocompromised patients undergoing cardiac, transplant, ophthalmologic, or burn operations; an unusual case following a colon resection is presented here.

CASE REPORT: The authors report a case of an invasive Aspergillus fumigatus infection following a subtotal colectomy for toxic megacolon. The patient was on antibiotics following the operation and chronic immunosuppression with steroids and infliximab. This was an unusual cause of a postoperative wound infection.

CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the importance of early and accurate identification, debridement, and systemic antifungals to prevent widespread infection. With changes in antifungal care over recent years, engaging infectious disease physicians during treatment is recommended.