Man infected with ‘cannibal’ bacteria survived thanks to ECMO

On November 20, a representative of the Central Tropical Diseases Hospital said that the patient was transferred from the provincial level in serious condition, intubated, mechanically ventilated and continuously on dialysis.

At the provincial hospital, the patient was diagnosed with infectious fever, and blood culture results identified Burkholderia pseudomallei bacteria, also known as flesh-eating bacteria, the causative agent of Whitmore’s disease. After 6 days of intensive treatment with no improvement, the team transferred the patient to the Central Tropical Hospital.

The man worked as an excavator. His history of diabetes was discovered a year ago but was not regularly monitored and treated.

Doctors at the Central Tropical Hospital treated him with combination antibiotics, antifungals and continuous dialysis, but his condition did not improve. The patient was placed on ECMO, maintained on vasopressors, and had continuous dialysis. ECMO, also known as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, is a method of using circulation and oxygen exchange outside the body to support life functions in patients with severe circulatory or respiratory failure. With the same operating principle as a heart-lung artificial machine, the goal of ECMO is to create time for the heart and lungs to rest and recover.

During bronchoscopy, the doctor discovered a lot of pus and pseudomembrane covering the bronchial mucosa, serious consequences of Whitmore bacteria causing lung damage. Currently, the patient’s lung function is still weak, but his health condition has improved.

Doctor Le Thi Huyen, Department of Intensive Care, assessed that the patient worked in an environment in direct contact with contaminated soil and water, combined with uncontrolled diabetes, creating conditions for bacteria to develop. disease-causing bacteria. Whitmore is a dangerous disease that progresses silently, often in subacute form with atypical symptoms such as prolonged fever, making it difficult to recognize and access early treatment.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent this disease. Therefore, doctors recommend that people proactively fight the disease by eating cooked food, drinking cooled boiled water, and ensuring food hygiene and safety. Do not slaughter or eat sick or dead animals, livestock or poultry; Limit direct contact with dirty soil and water, in heavily polluted areas. When contact is necessary, use protective equipment such as gloves, boots… Do not bathe, swim, or dive in ponds. , lakes, rivers at or near polluted places.

When there are open wounds, ulcers or burns, avoid contact with potentially contaminated soil or water. If contact is necessary, use a waterproof bandage and it should be washed to ensure hygiene.

People with underlying diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, immunodeficiency… need to be cared for and protected to prevent infections. When you suspect infection, you should go to the hospital for timely examination and treatment.