Shewanella algae Bacteremia and Septic Shock Secondary to Necrotizing Fasciitis: A Case Report

TL;DR

A rare and fatal case of Shewanella algae infection leading to septic shock is reported, emphasizing the role of patient health factors in severe disease.

Contribution

This case report highlights the rare but severe clinical outcome of S. algae infection and the influence of host comorbidities.

Findings

S. algae caused fatal bacteremia and septic shock in a patient with comorbidities.

Host factors like recent bariatric surgery and malnutrition may contribute to rapid disease progression.

Necrotizing fasciitis was identified as the source of the infection.

Abstract

Shewanella algae (S. algae), a marine Gram-negative bacillus, is an emerging opportunistic pathogen capable of causing infections in humans. While mostly associated with mild skin and soft tissue infections, severe invasive infections, such as bacteremia and septic shock, are rare but increasingly reported. We present a case of fatal S. algae bacteremia and septic shock secondary to necrotizing fasciitis in a patient with significant comorbidities, including recent bariatric surgery, rapid weight loss, and possible malnutrition, highlighting the role of host factors in fulminant disease progression.

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