Infection of a burn wound by Aspergillus niger. Gross appearance simulating ecthyma gangrenosa.

Growth of Aspergillus niger on a burn wound clinically simulated the early (hemorrhagic) phase of an invasive infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or ecthyma gangrenosa. Wound biopsy for histologic examination and culture readily yielded a definitive diagnosis of noninvasive mycotic infection of the burn wound. Pigmentation surrounding mycotic hyphae (otherwise typical for Aspergillus spp.) strongly suggested Aspergillus niger. Cultural data confirmed the diagnosis.