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Shewanella algae Necrotizing Fasciitis and Septic Shock after Elective Cosmetic Surgery: A Potential Emerging
Eryn Percenti1, Rebecca Nowacki1, Adam Fennell2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA.
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Shewanella algae, a marine bacterium, caused severe necrotizing fasciitis in a healthy woman post-surgery. This case highlights the need to consider Shewanella algae in severe wound infections, even without typical risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Case Study
Background:
- Shewanella is a Gram-negative bacillus typically found in marine environments.
- Its role in human infections is often linked to seawater exposure or compromised immunity.
- Severe infections like necrotizing fasciitis are rare but possible.
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