Risk factors in necrotizing fasciitis: a case involving Cryptococcus neoformans

Ann Plast Surg. 1998 Jan;40(1):80-3. doi: 10.1097/00000637-199801000-00018.

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis is a destructive soft tissue infection that is most typically caused by group A streptococci or a combination of facultative and anaerobic bacteria. Patients at risk for the development of necrotizing fasciitis often have compromised immune function or poor tissue perfusion. This report describes a case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, a pathogen not previously associated with this primary destructive soft tissue infection. The process occurred in a patient at risk for the development of opportunistic infection. We briefly review the risk factors for the development of necrotizing fasciitis and the typical bacteriologic findings. Cryptococcal infections and their treatment are described. Despite the uncommon pathogen, the treatment of this patient followed established principles-prompt surgical intervention and systemic antimicrobial therapy tailored to the offending organisms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Cryptococcosis / complications*
  • Cryptococcosis / immunology
  • Cryptococcosis / therapy
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / epidemiology
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / immunology
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / microbiology*
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / immunology
  • Kidney Transplantation
  • Male
  • Opportunistic Infections / complications
  • Opportunistic Infections / immunology
  • Opportunistic Infections / microbiology*
  • Opportunistic Infections / therapy
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents