Chest wall-necrotizing soft tissue infection caused by Finegoldia magna and Helcococcus kunzii in an immunocompromised patient: a case report

December 10, 2024
Case Report
Thamer Alaifan, Abdualhakeem Al-Thaqafi, Enas Munshi, Mai Kaaki, Abdulrahman Khojah, Abdulrazak Sakhakhni
Pathogen:Finegoldia magna and Helcococcus kunzii
Infection Type:Necrotizing soft tissue infection
Pathogen Type:Bacteria

Summary

An immunocompromised 60-year-old male presented with a life-threatening chest wall necrotizing soft tissue infection following a minor trauma. Initial symptoms included swelling, erythema, and pain, rapidly progressing to necrosis. Diagnosis was confirmed through surgical debridement and microbiological analysis, which identified a polymicrobial infection involving *Finegoldia magna* and *Helcococcus kunzii*. The patient underwent extensive surgical management and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, leading to a prolonged recovery. This case highlights the aggressive nature of necrotizing soft tissue infections in immunocompromised individuals and the importance of prompt, accurate polymicrobial identification for effective treatment.

Key note: Early and aggressive surgical debridement combined with targeted antimicrobial therapy is crucial for managing polymicrobial necrotizing soft tissue infections, especially in immunocompromised patients.

DOI: 10.1128/asmcr.00046-24