Rare Case of Flesh-Eating Bacteria in Eyelid: Indian Patient Recovers After Swift Treatment

According to an article in BMJ Case Reports, a man in his thirties developed a bacterial infection that attacked his right eyelid and surrounding tissue, causing significant damage. The man sought medical attention at an ophthalmology department in India after noticing gradual swelling in the affected area. Although the patient had experienced a single instance of fever ten days prior, he did not have any previous medical issues or conditions, nor had he undergone surgery or suffered from any sinus or systemic diseases.

The presence of a black crust on the eyelids and surrounding skin suggested the presence of dead tissue, which led doctors to diagnose the man with a type of necrotizing fasciitis, as reported in the BMJ Case Reports article. Necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon but serious infection caused by a variety of bacteria that spread quickly through the body and target the soft tissues and skin. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening.

'Death' Disease

The name of the disease, as the BMJ Case Reports article notes, is derived from the Ancient Greek word "nékrōsis," which means "death." This term reflects the fact that the bacteria that cause the condition leads to the death of soft tissues and the skin above them, a phenomenon also described as "soft tissue melting." Soft tissues encompass a variety of structures that provide support, connect and enclose other parts of the body, such as nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and fat.

Necrotizing fasciitis is most commonly found in the torso and extremities, but can also affect the head and neck, as was the case with the individual from India in this particular instance. Necrotizing fasciitis rarely affects the region around the eyelids, given the excellent blood supply in that area, as mentioned in the BMJ Case Reports article. The patient from India was quickly treated with surgery and antibiotics upon being diagnosed.

After the surgical intervention, the individual's condition improved, as per the case report. Over three days, medical professionals monitored the wound and eliminated any fresh necrotic tissue that developed. Following his treatment, the patient was discharged from the hospital and prescribed a course of oral antibiotics. The case report notes that six months later, the wound on his eyelid had healed and left behind a mature scar.

Stock image: Artist's illustration of bacteria. A man in India contracted a “flesh-eating” bacteria that results in the destruction of body tissue. iStock

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Skin Grafting as Main Treatment

The patient was informed by doctors that he might require a skin graft in the future. Reflecting on his experience, the patient expressed deep concerns about the severity of his condition and the possibility of losing his eyesight. He also expressed relief at having been cured of the disease. The authors of the case study observed that diagnosing necrotizing fasciitis can be difficult, as the initial signs and symptoms are often subtle, according to Newsweek.

As per a study published in Skeletal Radiology, necrotizing fasciitis is a rare occurrence in the United States, affecting only about 0.4 individuals per 100,000 annually. The treatment for necrotizing fasciitis typically involves a combination of surgical intervention and antibiotics. The primary goal of treatment is to remove the infected tissue and stop the progression of the infection.

The patient may undergo one or more surgeries to remove the damaged tissue, and strong antibiotics are administered to combat the bacterial infection. In some cases, additional treatments such as oxygen therapy, wound care, and intravenous fluids may be necessary to support the patient's recovery. It's important to seek immediate medical attention if necrotizing fasciitis is suspected, as the condition can progress rapidly and become life-threatening if left untreated.