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Ecthyma gangrenosum: The critical role of biofilms and other mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and implications for management
Author(s) -
Russomanno Kristen,
Cardis Michael,
Kirkorian Anna Yasmine
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pediatric dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.542
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1525-1470
pISSN - 0736-8046
DOI - 10.1111/pde.14496
Subject(s) - pseudomonas aeruginosa , medicine , antibiotics , bacteremia , pathogen , antibiotic resistance , intensive care medicine , biofilm , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , bacteria , biology , genetics
Ecthyma gangrenosum is a rare cutaneous infection that occurs classically in immunocompromised patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia and is associated with a high mortality rate. Causative pathogens may exhibit various antibiotic evasion mechanisms, and thus, treatment may be challenging. We present a case of ecthyma gangrenosum in association with an implantable port in which cultures confirmed ten unique strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa , highlighting the ability of this pathogen to form biofilms, rapidly mutate and ultimately evade antibiotic therapy. Dermatologists play a key role in the prompt diagnosis of this life‐threatening condition, and a thorough understanding of pathogenic mechanisms is critical in selecting an efficacious treatment regimen.