Abstract
We experienced a case involving a patient with extensive burns complicated by a necrotizing soft tissue infection. The infection was caused by Aeromonas hydrophila due to exposure to sewage. A 67-year-old man was driving his own car on the highway when he became involved in a single-car accident. His car caught fire and he sustained burn injuries. He was found lying in a nearby irrigation ditch by the emergency medical team. At the time of initial examination, he had deep, grade II and III burns on the head, face, both upper extremities, left back, and left lower extremity. The burn index was 22.5, and 30% of his total body surface area was burned. Despite early debridement and prophylactic antimicrobial therapy, necrotizing soft tissue infection due to Aeromonas hydrophila developed. Multiple additional debridements and major limb amputations were performed, but the infection could not be controlled. The patient died 37 days after the injury. When exposure to sewage occurs in patients with extensive burns that may cause them to become immunocompromised, it is important to consider the possible development of severe soft tissue infection and take early measures including adequate washing, early debridement, and major amputation as necessary.
