Related Experiment Videos

Necrotizing fasciitis resulting from Streptococcus pneumoniae in recently diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus

A Isik1, S S Koca

  • 1Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University, 23119, Elazig, Turkey.

Clinical Rheumatology
|March 10, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients face high infection risks. A rare, rapid, and fatal necrotizing fasciitis case linked to Streptococcus pneumoniae highlights SLE

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune condition increasing infection susceptibility.
  • Infections are a primary cause of mortality and hospitalizations in SLE patients.
  • Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a severe, rapidly progressing subcutaneous infection.

Observation:

  • A 46-year-old female with recent SLE diagnosis presented with rapid-onset NF.
  • The patient had not received immunosuppressive therapy, only etodolac.
  • The NF was associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae (SPN) and led to death.

Findings:

  • This case demonstrates a potential predisposition to NF in SLE patients.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae was identified as a potential causative agent in NF etiology.
  • Rapid progression of NF in an untreated SLE patient is highlighted.

Implications:

  • Highlights the critical need for vigilance regarding severe infections in newly diagnosed SLE patients.
  • Suggests SPN as a pathogen to consider in NF development within the SLE context.
  • Underscores the potentially rapid and fatal course of NF in immunocompromised individuals.

Related Concept Videos

Staphylococcal Skin Infections01:29

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...
Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.