Cunninghamella species are known to be an extremely rare fungal infection that can cause mucormycosis in immunosuppressed individuals [1]. Similar to other related fungi, the mode of transmission is predominately through the inhalation of sporangial into the pulmonary system or sinuses [2]. It can be acquired through inhalation, inoculation, or possibly ingestion as the sporangial can be found airborne and on tree nuts and plants [1],[2].

Although extremely rare, Cunninghamella has been found to infect individuals through cutaneous means by a breakage in the skin barrier. Some of these cases include a motor vehicle accident, intravenous (IV) drug abuser, insulin injection, and contamination of Elastoplast dressing [1],[3]. Late diagnosis and/or treatment of these deep fungal infections could lead to disseminated infection and a high likelihood of mortality [1]. The uniqueness and extreme rarity of this case is what prompted a write-up.

This case demonstrates a new subtle way in which Cunninghamella species can be introduced percutaneously and the timeframe in which the disease progresses as a cutaneous infection. This case also looks to stress the importance of debridement in controlling Cunninghamella infections to prevent systemic infection and mortality.

A 57-year-old male with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, pancytopenia, and acquired hypogammaglobulinemia was referred to the outpatient care clinic with a painful right arm abscess. On close inspection, there was a skin tear next to the PICC line. The abscess was 2 × 2 cm area of erythema with central necrosis as seen in Figure 1A. The abscess was incised, drained, cultured, and packed appropriately with gauze. The patient was provided with follow-up and appropriate wound care instructions.

The pus of the abscess was cultured and the results demonstrated Cunninghamella species. The specific species was not identified. The PICC line was removed and IV amphotericin B was prescribed. The patient was admitted to the hospital 16 days after the positive culture results for debridement because the wound continued to increase in size despite antifungal use. Wound care and follow-up were again stressed to the patient and they were later discharged that day.

The patient was readmitted into the hospital for subsequent debridement procedures as a result of non-healing wound infection. A chest X-ray was performed to assess for pulmonary cause of infection; however, the results proved to be unremarkable. Post-op day 1 imaging after the third debridement is shown in Figure 1B. The patient was discharged 17 days later, on isavuconazonium sulfate and the wound appeared to be healing with granulation tissue. Figure 1C displays the wound on the final day prior to discharge.

Outpatient follow-up visit was performed nine days later to re-assess the wound and recovery. The wound recovery appeared to be rapid and the debridement successful in controlling the cutaneous infection as demonstrated in Figure 1D.

The total amount of days from the initial presentation of the abscess to control of the infection through debridement was 28 days. It was presumed that the infection inoculation was likely due to the skin tear from the PICC line and a harbor of fungal growth on the dressing. There was no evidence of sinopulmonary infection to suggest possible systemic fungemia leading to cutaneous insult.

The patient is currently doing well and there are no reported new lesions or recurrence. Fungal blood cultures came back negative and the infection is presumed to be controlled.

Cutaneous instances of Cunninghamella infections appear to have rapidly progressive growth patterns as evidenced in this case and others with similar characteristics. High curative rates seem to be achievable if diagnosed and intervened early [4],[5]. Similar to other related fungi, serial aggressive debridements alongside antifungals are the mainstay of treatment [6]. Delay in intervention leads to angioinvasion and a high risk of mortality [1],[2],[6],[7],[8].

Immunocompromised states are the majority of risk factors for mucor infection. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is required to allow for appropriate and timely treatment. The usual treatment for invasive systemic mycoses is amphotericin B. While amphotericin B demonstrates effectiveness in the treatment of Cunninghamella, posaconazole appears to have similar efficacy and fewer side effects. Isavuconazonium sulfate is a new broad-spectrum azole drug that has proven effectiveness against Cunninghamella as evident in this case and clinical trials.