A case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Streptococcus canis in a drug addict patient

Abstract

Bêta-hemolytic group G streptococci are mainly classified into Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis and Streptococcus canis. It causes pyogenic infections in humans and animals, essentially dogs and cats. Several publications have associated group G Streptococcus with sepsis, skin and soft tissues infections in humans. We report herein an unusual case of necrotizing fasciitis due to Streptococcus canis in a 40 years-old drug- user diabetes men suffering from chronic hepatitis C. The patient was admitted initially for the management of an abscess in the external section of the knee which dates back to 7 days with local inflammatory signs. He was operated. The cyto-bacteriological examination of the reduced pus identified S. canis sensitive to all antibiotics tested. The patient was first managed with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (3g / day intra-venous). One week later the deterioration of his condition required another surgery in emergency with discovering of an extensive necrotizing fasciitis which required excision of necrotic tissue and the change of antibiotic. The evolution showed an improvement in the wound condition and a good biological assessment.