Necrotising fasciitis caused by Arcanobacterium haemolyticum

Abstract

We present a case of a 35 year old male who presented to hospital with fever and necrotising fasciitis of the left lower limb. He was successfully treated with intravenous antibiotics and undergoing a left hip disarticulation amputation. Pus samples taken from theatre were identified after three days of growth as Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. This case is important to remind clinicians of how an uncommon pathogen, A. haemoliticum, can cause invasive deep infection and lead to lifethreatening illness.

Keywords

• Arcanobacterium haemolyticum
• Necrotising fasciitis