A case of necrotizing fasciitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 5 in Saskatchewan

Necrotizing fasciitis due to Streptococcus prieumoniae is a rare and grave condition, and only a few cases have been reported. Suggested risk factors include minor trauma, Systemic lupus erythematosus, immunosuppression secondary to medication, use of intramuscular anti - inflammatories and alcoholism. A fatal case of pneumococcal necrotizing fasciitis that occurred in a 51-year-old woman with a history of alcohol abuse and oral anti-inflarnmatory use is presented. Her condition was caused by a multi-etiology outbreak Of Community-acquired pneumonia, from which S pneumoniae serotype 5 was also isolated. The case description outlines the subtle presentation and rapid clinical progression of this condition. Because scrotype 5 antigen is included in the polysaccharide 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine, the present case highlights the importance of pneumococcal immunization programs in Canada.