Actinomucor elegans in human infections: A case report and narrative review of the literature

Introduction Actinomucor elegans is an uncommon and underrecognized cause of invasive mucormycosis. While typically affecting immunocompromised individuals, cases have also emerged in trauma patients. This study presents a new case of cutaneous A. elegans infection and reviews the literature to characterize its clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and treatment outcomes. Methods We report a clinical case from our institution and conducted a narrative review of the literature. PubMed and Embase were searched through July 2025 for human cases of A. elegans. Studies were included if they provided clinical details on diagnosis or therapy. Data were extracted on demographics, comorbidities, infection site, diagnostics, treatments, and outcomes. Results Six unique cases were identified. Patients included both immunocompromised individuals and immunocompetent trauma victims. Reported infection sites included pulmonary, rhino-orbital, cutaneous, and disseminated forms. All cases were confirmed microbiologically, mainly through culture and sequencing. Liposomal amphotericin B was the primary antifungal agent, occasionally combined with other agents. Surgical debridement was performed in half the cases. The mortality rate was 50%; survival was associated with early diagnosis and antifungal therapy. Conclusion Actinomucor elegans is a rare but clinically significant mucormycete capable of causing severe infections in high-risk patients. Early recognition, combined microbiological diagnostics, and aggressive antifungal management are critical to improving patient outcomes.