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Necrotizing fasciitis due to Serratia marcescens: case report and review of the literature

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Abstract

Background

Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe, life-threatening infection.  Serratia marcescens, a Gram-negative bacterium, is an extremely rare cause of necrotizing fasciitis.

Methods

A case of S. marcescens necrotizing fasciitis is described, and a comprehensive review of the literature (1966-2015) of monomicrobial cases due to this organism performed.

Results

We report the first case of S. marcescens necrotizing fasciitis in the setting of calciphylaxis associated with end-stage renal disease.  A comprehensive review of the literature of S. marcescens necrotizing fasciitis is provided to enhance the awareness of this increasingly recognized infection, and to provide a concise summary of risk factors, treatment, and outcome.

Conclusions

Our case and review highlight the potential risk factors for S. marcescens necrotizing fasciitis, including underlying renal disease and open wounds, and demonstrate the emergence of this organism as a cause of severe, life-threatening soft tissue infections.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Infectious Diseases Department, Scripps Mercy Hospital, 4077 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA, 92103, USA

    Rohit Majumdar & Nancy F. Crum-Cianflone

Authors
  1. Rohit Majumdar
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  2. Nancy F. Crum-Cianflone
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Rohit Majumdar or Nancy F. Crum-Cianflone.

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Conflict of interest

The authors have no financial interest in this work. All authors contributed to the content of the manuscript and concurred with the decision to submit it for publication. The content and views expressed in this publication is the sole responsibility of the authors.

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Majumdar, R., Crum-Cianflone, N.F. Necrotizing fasciitis due to Serratia marcescens: case report and review of the literature. Infection 44, 371–377 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-015-0855-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-015-0855-x

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