Necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis caused by Aeromonas hydrophila after crush injury of the lower extremity.

BACKGROUND

Aeromonas hydrophila is a motile gram-negative bacillus found in water sources that typically causes minor skin infections or gastroenteritis in humans. There are sporadic reports of cases of sepsis or necrotizing fasciitis caused by A. hydrophila but no other cases of severe infection secondary to trauma. The mortality rate of septic shock caused by A. hydrophila approaches 100%.

METHODS

Case report and review of pertinent literature.

RESULTS AND

CONCLUSIONS

A patient recently seen at our institution illustrates the features of necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis caused by A. hydrophila after an open femur fracture. We describe the aggressive multi-modality treatment necessary to maximize the likelihood of survival.