Necrotizing fasciitis due to Streptococcus constellatus in a patient with uncontrolled diabetes and bilateral diabetic foot ulceration

Wounds. 2023 Feb;35(2):E74-E77. doi: 10.25270/wnds/22044.

Abstract

Introduction: Streptococcus constellatus is commensal flora of the oropharyngeal, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts with a proclivity for abscess formation. Bacteremia due to S constellatus is rare; however, rising incidences have been reported, particularly in patients with diabetes. Prompt surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy with a cephalosporin are the mainstays of treatment.

Case report: The case presented here involves a patient with poorly controlled diabetes who had necrotizing soft tissue infection secondary to S constellatus. The infection originated from bilateral diabetic foot ulcerations that led to bacteremia and sepsis.

Conclusion: Immediate source control with wide and aggressive surgical debridement, initial empiric broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy followed by tailored treatment based on deep operative cultures, and staged closure led to effective limb-salvage and life-sparing intervention for this patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cephalosporins
  • Debridement / adverse effects
  • Diabetes Mellitus*
  • Diabetic Foot* / complications
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Streptococcus constellatus*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Cephalosporins