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[Necrotizing fasciitis, caused by Neisseria meningitidis, simultaneously involving an arm and a leg]
H Mentec1, O Chosidow, P Lafaurie
1Service de Réanimation médicale, Hôpital Henri-Mondor, Créteil.
Introduction:
Necrotizing fasciitis is usually due to Streptococcus species but can be caused by a variety of organisms, among which Neisseria species are distinctly rare, as only four cases have been reported in the literature.
Case Report:
We report the first case of Neisseria meningitidis necrotizing fasciitis in a non-immunocompromised man, with a possibly predisposing effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Neisseria meningitidis group C was isolated from subcutaneous and bullae aspirates. The involvement of two distant sites strongly suggests hematogenous dissemination of the microorganism. Four previous cases of fasciitis caused by Neisseria species are reviewed.
Conclusion:
Although Streptococcus group A is the main cause of apparently primary necrotizing fasciitis, Neisseria meningitidis must be considered a possible etiologic agent of this severe soft tissue infection.
Insights
Necrotizing fasciitis is rarely caused by Neisseria meningitidis. This case highlights the bacterium as a potential cause of severe soft tissue infections, even in healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe soft tissue infection, predominantly caused by Streptococcus species.
- Infections due to Neisseria species are rare, with only four prior reports of fasciitis.
Observation:
- A case of Neisseria meningitidis group C necrotizing fasciitis in a non-immunocompromised male is presented.
- The patient possibly had a predisposing factor from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use.
- Isolation of the bacteria from multiple sites suggests hematogenous spread.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of Neisseria meningitidis causing necrotizing fasciitis.
- The review of four prior Neisseria species fasciitis cases is included.
- Neisseria meningitidis is identified as a potential cause of this severe infection.
Implications:
- Neisseria meningitidis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe soft tissue infections.
- This finding expands the spectrum of pathogens responsible for necrotizing fasciitis.
- Understanding rare etiologies is crucial for effective clinical management and treatment strategies.