Necrotizing Fasciitis Caused by Photobacterium damselae: The First Case in Portugal

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Surgical Pathology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressive, severe soft tissue infection demanding urgent surgical intervention.
• Several bacterial species can cause necrotizing fasciitis; Photobacterium damselae is an uncommon pathogen, with limited documented cases.
• Early diagnosis and aggressive management are critical for improving patient outcomes in necrotizing fasciitis.

Observation:

• This report details the first case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Photobacterium damselae in Portugal.
• The patient presented with a severe soft tissue infection requiring extensive surgical debridement.
• Successful limb salvage was achieved through reconstructive surgery utilizing acellular dermal matrix and skin grafting.

Findings:

• Photobacterium damselae can cause severe necrotizing fasciitis, even in immunocompetent individuals.
• Aggressive surgical debridement is essential for controlling the infection and preventing further tissue destruction.
• Multimodal treatment, including reconstructive procedures, can lead to favorable outcomes in complex cases.

Implications:

• This case expands the known spectrum of pathogens causing necrotizing fasciitis.
• It highlights the importance of considering rare microorganisms in the differential diagnosis of severe soft tissue infections.
• The successful management strategy provides valuable insights for treating similar challenging cases.