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A case of necrotizing fasciitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 5 in Saskatchewan

Meenakshi Dawar1, Bob Russell, Karen McClean

  • 1Canadian Field Epidemiology Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases & Medical Microbiology = Journal Canadien Des Maladies Infectieuses Et De La Microbiologie Medicale
|January 16, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is rare but severe. Vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae, particularly serotype 5, is crucial for preventing this grave condition.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe soft tissue infection.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is an uncommon cause of necrotizing fasciitis.

Observation:

  • A fatal case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 5 in a 51-year-old woman is presented.
  • The patient had a history of alcohol abuse and oral anti-inflammatory use.
  • The infection was linked to a community-acquired pneumonia outbreak.

Findings:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 5 was isolated from the patient.
  • The case illustrates a subtle onset and rapid progression of pneumococcal necrotizing fasciitis.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of pneumococcal immunization programs.
  • Vaccination, including against serotype 5, may prevent severe outcomes like necrotizing fasciitis.
Keywords:
AboriginalCanadaNecrotizing fasciitisStreptococcus pneumoniae

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