Escherichia Coli–Related Necrotizing Fasciitis After Renal Transplantation: A Case Report

A 39-year-old man who had received cadaveric renal transplantation (RT) 1 month previously presented with rash and pain on his left lower extremity. Initially, bacterial cellulitis was suspected, and ampicillin/sulbactam was initiated; however, 3 days later, skin necrosis occurred and pain increased. Ampicillin/sulbactam was replaced with imipenem+ciprofloxacin, and surgical debridement was performed. Escherichia coli was identified in the wound culture, urine culture, and blood culture. After repeated debridement, wound care, and appropriate antimicrobial treatment, wounds began to heal and skin grafting was planned at the 4th month of therapy. However, the patient died of viral pneumonia. To date, 20 cases of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) after RT have been reported (including our case), and, as far as we know, this is the second E coli–related NF case. An analysis of all 20 cases showed that the most common infection site was the extremities (90%) and that 45% of pathogens were fungus. The mortality rate was 30%. NF is a rare but rapidly developing and life-threatening soft-tissue infection in RT patients. To reduce mortality rates, early diagnosis, recurrent surgical debridement, and aggressive therapy are mandatory.