Unusual "flesh-eating" strain of Escherichia coli

J Clin Microbiol. 2010 Oct;48(10):3794-6. doi: 10.1128/JCM.00491-10. Epub 2010 Aug 4.

Abstract

We report an exceptional case of life-threatening Escherichia coli-induced necrotizing fasciitis. A combined host-pathogen genetic analysis explained the phenotype: the host displayed a susceptibility to intravascular coagulation, and the strain was capable of producing a necrotic toxin (cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1), showing how E. coli can be a dermonecrotic pathogen.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bacterial Toxins / biosynthesis
  • Escherichia coli / classification
  • Escherichia coli / isolation & purification*
  • Escherichia coli / pathogenicity*
  • Escherichia coli Infections / diagnosis*
  • Escherichia coli Infections / microbiology*
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / diagnosis*
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / microbiology*
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / pathology
  • Histocytochemistry
  • Humans
  • Leg / microbiology
  • Leg / pathology
  • Male
  • Microscopy

Substances

  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • cytotoxic necrotizing factor type 1