Open AccessClostridium perfringens necrotizing pancreatitis: an unusual pathogen in pancreatic necrosis infection
Author(s) -
Ana Sánchez-Gollarte,
Laura JiménezAlvárez,
Marina Pérez-González,
Cristina Vera-Mansilla,
Alma BlázquezMartín,
Manuel Díez-Alonso
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
access microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2516-8290
DOI - 10.1099/acmi.0.000261
Subject(s) - clostridium perfringens , medicine , acute pancreatitis , gas gangrene , necrosis , pancreatitis , pathogen , anaerobic bacteria , necrotizing pancreatitis , clostridium , gastroenterology , microbiology and biotechnology , surgery , immunology , bacteria , biology , genetics
Pancreatic necrosis infection (PNI) accounts for about 20–40 % of severe acute pancreatitis. PNI caused by anaerobic bacteria is unusual but when they present,Clostridium perfringensis the microorganism most commonly involved. We present a 60-year-old patient with a previous history of SARS-CoV-2, diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. During the hospitalisation he developedClostridium perfringensbacteraemia. A CT-scan showed pancreatic gas gangrene and a surgical necrosectomy was performed.Clostridium perfringenswas isolated in cultures of the pancreatic tissue and collections. The patient’s clinical status improved after surgery and the appropriate medical therapy. He was discharged 76 days after admission. Nowadays, the ‘step-up approach’ is an accepted therapeutic tool in treatment of pancreatic necrosis and peripancreatic fluid collections. However, most authors suggest that Clostridum perfringens infection requires a more aggressive approach due to the high mortality associated to clostridial infection.