Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 4, 2026

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling
08:25

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling

Published on: April 7, 2015

8.6K

Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in mixed connective tissue disease

T Yuhara1, H Takemura, T Akama

  • 1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba , 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575 , Japan.

Modern Rheumatology
|January 4, 2014
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a rare instance of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in a patient with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). It highlights an unusual soft tissue infection in a patient with an autoimmune condition.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is an autoimmune disorder.
  • Patients with autoimmune conditions, like systemic lupus erythematosus, are susceptible to infections.
  • Soft tissue infections from Streptococcus pneumoniae are rare, especially in non-immunocompromised individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a unique case of necrotizing fasciitis.
  • To identify the causative agent of a severe soft tissue infection.
  • To highlight an unusual complication in a patient with MCTD.

Main Methods:

  • Case presentation of a 42-year-old male patient.
  • Clinical observation of symptoms including fever, polyarthralgia, and leg swelling.
  • Laboratory analysis including blood cultures to identify pathogens.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with symptoms of chills, fever, and severe polyarthralgia.
  • Necrotizing fasciitis of the right leg developed during hospitalization.
  • Blood cultures confirmed the presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Conclusions:

  • This is the first reported case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in a patient with MCTD.
  • The findings suggest that Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause severe soft tissue infections in patients with MCTD.
  • Clinicians should consider rare bacterial infections in patients with autoimmune diseases presenting with severe symptoms.

More Related Videos

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/4306:06

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43

Published on: September 11, 2020

1.8K

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
24
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
1.5K
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease...
84
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
15
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
1.4K
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
1.0K