Painful purple plaques on the thighs of an immunosuppressed patient

Necrotizing fasciitis and gas gangrene due to Aeromonas hydrophila in an immunocompetent host: A rare entity

Aeromonas hydrophila, widely distributed in various aquatic environments, is recognized as emerging opportunistic pathogens mainly causing gastrointestinal and wound infections. Necrotizing fasciitis and gas gangrene attributable to A. hydrophila are believed to develop mainly in immunocompromised hosts and have required amputation as a life-saving measure in many of these individuals. The present case re-emphasizes the virulent nature of this organism requiring amputation even in an immunocompetent host and hence, the critical need for early recognition and appropriate targeted therapy, especially after minor traumatic injuries which usually tend to get neglected.