A rare case of abdominal wall necrotizing fasciitis caused by Actinomyces europaeus—a novel pathogen. Issue 12 (15th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Allen, Neill; James, Georgina; Jain, Yogesh
• Is Part Of: Journal of surgical case reports. Volume 2021:Issue 12(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12-15
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjab533
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2042-8812

Abstract

Abstract: Actinomyces europaeus is a sub-species of actinomyces first isolated in humans in 1997. It is commensal bacteria found within the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tract. Although it is known to cause soft tissue infection and has been known to cause abscesses, it has never been identified as the primary pathogen in a case of necrotizing fasciitis. We present the case of a 59-year-old man with recurrent groin infections, poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes and obesity who developed necrotizing fasciitis of his lower abdominal wall secondary to Actinomyces europaeus. We discuss the clinical course and the value of early identification of the pathogen and specialist microbiologist advice.