Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: In approximately 50% of patients with necrotizing fasciitis, infection begins deep in the soft tissues. A history of trauma is often absent. The mechanism of spread has not been elucidated. We report a case of type II necrotizing fasciitis in which the streptococcal strain was identical to isolates from other locations in the same patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 42-year-old man presented with left leg pain. Two days prior, he had a non-penetrating injury to the left thigh while playing futsal. Workup revealed swelling of the left gastrocnemius. He was admitted to orthopaedics. On the third hospital day, he was referred to our department for hypotension, impending respiratory failure, and decreased sensorium, and subsequently admitted to the ICU. A biopsy was done on the left gastrocnemius fascia. He was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis. On the seventh hospital day, left hip amputation and extensive debridement of the trunk were done. Patient improved and eventually recovered. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Group A streptococcus was isolated in from the fascia, blood, and pharyngeal ulcer. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis showed all isolates to be genetically identical. An oral route of infection was considered. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report in which etiologic agent of necrotizing fasciitis is genetically identical with isolates from other parts in the absence of trauma.