Invasive Fungal Infections in Combat-Related Trauma

Among 2413 U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan with severe traumatic injuries between June 2009 and December 2010, 37 developed IFIs, most often from blast injuries sustained during foot patrol.

Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is an uncommon but serious complication of traumatic injury. Blast trauma from improvised explosive devices during combat in Afghanistan has been particularly challenging, because the wounds are severe and often contaminated with organic material. Now, researchers have reported a case series involving U.S. military personnel injured in combat in Afghanistan and evacuated between June 2009 and December 2010.

Among 2413 individuals, 37 (2%) had a diagnosis of IFI (proven or probable in 24; possible in 13). The rate was highest — 4% — during the fourth quarter of 2010. All cases occurred in men and included explosive-blast injuries to the extremities. Thirty-four of the men (92%) were injured during foot patrol. …

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)