ZYGOMYCOTIC NECROTIZING CELLULITIS IN A PREMATURE-INFANT

A premature infant with fatal zygomycotic necrotizing cellulitis is re ported. Zygomycosis occurs as either an indolent or an acute fulminati ng form. Cutaneous zygomycosis is a fulminant form of the disease and affects mainly immunocompromised patients. Premature infants with peri natal complications are immunocompromised and therefore at risk for zy gomycotic disease, including cutaneous zygomycosis. The different pres entations of cutaneous zygomycosis are discussed. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to ensure patient survival. The clinical diffe rential diagnosis of zygomycotic necrotizing cellulitis is mentioned a s well as methods for the rapid confirmation of the diagnosis.