Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine
  • Year: 2019
  • Volume: 41
  • Issue: 2

Disseminated invasive Aspergillosis in a case of fatal antemortem flame burns

  • Author:
  • Sachin Chourasia1,, Ravi Rautji1, KV Radhakrishna1, Janender Baghel1, DK Shivakumar1, Nabeel Aziz2
  • Total Page Count: 3
  • Page Number: 145 to 147

1Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India

2Department of Pathology, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India

*Corresponding Author Dr. Sachin Chourasia (Assistant Professor) Email: cdrsachin@yahoo.com, Mobile: +919423648543

Online published on 30 November, 2019.

Abstract

In the burn patients who survive, the most important factor limiting survival is infections. Today, the survival of a seriously burned patient is better due to advancements in burn care therapy. However, they still face increased risk of infectious complications, notably fungal infections. Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, large wound surface and impaired immune system contribute to the growth of opportunistic fungal species. As per available data, though burn wound are mostly contaminated by Candida, the fungal isolate commonly involved in invasion and dissemination across the body is Aspergillus. We report a case of Disseminated Invasive Aspergillosis of lung, heart and kidneys in a case of fatal antemortem flame burns in a 36 years old female. This case clearly shows awareness of possible dissemination of Aspergillus spp. is necessary in patients who have a burn injury, even if the patient has no risk factors as it is typically associated with a poor prognosis.

Keywords

Flame burns, Fungal infection, Invasive Aspergillosis, Autopsy, Histopathology