Flesh-eating bacteria attack old man

Hanoi: A 70-year-old man injured his leg while catching seafood. His foot was swollen and necrotic when he was admitted to the hospital. He was diagnosed with Aeromonas infection, also known as "flesh-eating" bacteria.

On June 22, Dr. Hoang Manh Ha, in charge of the Department of Trauma Surgery, Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, said that the patient was admitted to intensive care on the 5th day of treatment in a state of septic shock, with necrosis tending to spread to the thigh and abdomen. Test results diagnosed cellulitis of the right femoral shin due to Aeromonas infection.

Aeromonas hydrophila (AH) is a gram-negative bacillus that can rapidly cause necrosis of inflammatory tissues, so it is called "flesh-eating" bacteria. The disease causes many people to have their limbs amputated, and in some cases, even death.

The doctor prescribed antibiotic treatment, intensive resuscitation and transferred him to the Trauma Department for emergency surgery, debridement of necrotic tissue, and irrigation. On the first day after surgery, the symptoms of inflammation in the thigh and right iliac fossa had decreased, the redness and swelling had subsided, the skin had become less tense and wrinkles had appeared on the skin. The patient was then treated with changing the infected dressing and debridement of necrotic tissue. After more than a month, the old man was indicated for thin skin patch surgery. The patched skin healed completely, and the patient was able to practice rehabilitation of the right foot.

Aeromonas is a common bacteria in nature, often found in aquatic environments, causing diseases in fish, shrimp, and amphibians. The three main types of disease include: Diarrhea caused by drinking contaminated water; biliary tract and blood infections in patients with cirrhosis; necrotizing soft tissue inflammation, which can lead to sepsis in healthy people when scratched or exposed to dirty water or mud containing Aeromonas.

To prevent disease, experts recommend that people should limit contact with dirty water sources, especially when there are scratches on the body. People who have to work regularly in dirty water environments should have appropriate protective equipment. If there are signs of swelling or necrosis in the wound area after contact with dirty water, they should go to a medical facility immediately for timely treatment.

Thuy Quynh

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