Severe sepsis following wound infection by an unusual organism--Clostridium novyi.
We present a case of post-operative wound infection with Clostridium novyi in a non-intravenous drug user. Clinical features included progressive cellulitis despite being on antibiotics, accompanied by hypotension, marked leucocytosis and oedema but minimal fever. While established infection with this organism is associated with high mortality, our patient survived. The administration of clindamycin and intravenous immunoglobulin in addition to early surgical assessment and aggressive debridement of affected tissue may have contributed to this successful outcome. To our knowledge, this is the only reported post-operative wound infection due to this pathogen.
Majumdar
S
S
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust, Chorley and South Ribble District General Hospital, Preston Road, Chorley, UK. samitaguha@hotmail.com
Woodcock
S
S
Cheesbrough
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000382:microbiology; D002981:Clindamycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003015:Clostridium Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D018805:Sepsis / Q000382:microbiology*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000382:microbiology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D002981:Clindamycin