Fournier’S Gangrene Caused byListeria Monocytogenesas the Primary Organism

Abstract

A 70-year-old man with a history of tongue cancer presented with Fournier’s gangrene caused byListeria monocytogenesserotype 4b. Surgical debridement revealed undiagnosed rectal adenocarcinoma. The patient did not have an apparent dietary or travel history but reported daily consumption of sashimi (raw fish).Old age and immunodeficiency due to rectal adenocarcinoma may have supported the direct invasion ofL monocytogenesfrom the tumour. The present article describes the first reported case of Fournier’s gangrene caused byL monocytogenes. The authors suggest that raw ready-to-eat seafood consumption be recognized as a risk factor for listeriosis, especially in cases of skin and soft tissue infection.