Acute Necrotizing Fasciitis Caused by Rhizopus Infection in a Patient with Diabetes and Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Case Report

Background: Zygomycosis, also termed mucormycosis, is a rare yet highly fatal fungal infection caused by Mucorales species, notably Rhizopus spp. Case Presentation: This case study details a 72-year-old man with diabetes, pulmonary tuberculosis, and nephrotic syndrome who developed acute necrotizing fasciitis attributable to R. oryzae . Despite initial empirical antibiotic therapy, the infection progressed rapidly. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) facilitated a swift diagnosis, identifying R. oryzae in blood and drainage samples. The treatment included amphotericin B and isavuconazole, along with aggressive surgical debridement. The patient exhibited substantial improvement, and he was discharged after stabilization. Conclusion: This case highlights the critical role of early diagnosis through mNGS and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to manage severe mucormycosis in immunocompromised patients. Keywords: Rhizopus infection, acute necrotizing fasciitis, diabetes, case report