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Cervico-facial necrotising fasciitis due to Candida albicans

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Abstract

Necrotising fasciitis of the face is a rare disease, associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Necrotising infections due to Candida albicans as the sole causative organism are extremely rare; more commonly the organism is found as a saprophytic constituent of a polymicrobial infection. We present the case of a 57-year-old man who developed cervico-facial necrotising fasciitis following a routine dental extraction. The only organism identified on tissue culture was C. albicans. He required extensive resection of the soft and bony tissues of the left side of his face and neck and subsequent free flap reconstruction. We discuss his initial management and primary reconstruction and review the literature regarding fungal necrotising fasciitis.

Level of evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.

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Correspondence to Adam Jordan.

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Jordan, A., Sharma, P., Moss, C. et al. Cervico-facial necrotising fasciitis due to Candida albicans . Eur J Plast Surg 36, 453–456 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-013-0837-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-013-0837-0

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