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Monomicrobial Gram-Negative Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Lower Extremity
Saba Suleman1, Bryan Youree2, Shovendra Gautam3
1Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott and White All Saints Medical Center, Fort Worth, USA.
Abstract:
Unlike other skin and soft tissue infections, necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. It is usually caused by polymicrobial infections or monomicrobial gram-positive organisms, mainly Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Monomicrobial gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) NF is a rare form of NF, primarily reported in patients with underlying comorbidities or immunocompromised states. Here, we present a novel case of monomicrobial gram-negative NF caused by E. coli in an otherwise healthy patient. This case highlights that E. coli NF cannot be solely attributed to comorbidities, and physicians should be aware that NF can occur from E. coli infection in the absence of underlying health conditions.
Insights
Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a severe infection. A rare case of gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) NF occurred in a healthy patient, challenging previous assumptions about risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare, life-threatening soft tissue infection.
- Typically caused by polymicrobial or gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus).
- Monomicrobial gram-negative E. coli NF is exceptionally rare, usually linked to comorbidities or immunosuppression.
Observation:
- A novel case of monomicrobial gram-negative NF caused by E. coli is presented.
- The patient was otherwise healthy, with no underlying comorbidities or immunocompromised state.
Findings:
- E. coli can cause NF in healthy individuals without predisposing factors.
- This case expands the known spectrum of E. coli-associated NF.
Implications:
- Physicians must consider E. coli as a potential cause of NF even in healthy patients.
- Diagnostic and treatment protocols for NF may need broader consideration of gram-negative etiologies.
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