Doctor Truong Huu Khanh talked about the disease called ‘flesh-eating bacteria’

On June 8, the media and social networks simultaneously reported on a case 9-year-old patient living in Dak Lak province was attacked by flesh-eating bacteria. The above information immediately attracted the attention of public opinion and the anxiety and insecurity of the community.

Facing the above situation, Dr. Truong Huu Khanh, Standing Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Infectious Diseases Association, said: “Actus, flesh-eating bacteria in medicine have been discussed, but not the disease that social networks are panicking about. . The word “cannibal” is because this bacteria secretes 2 toxins that cause “flesh decay”, but this bacterium is called Aeromonas hydrophila.

According to Dr. Huu Khanh, the disease that the case in Dak Lak encountered is being widely discussed online called Whitmore (or melioidosis) and is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei bacteria. This is a bacterial disease, not “flesh-eating bacteria” when translated into Vietnamese. This disease is not new, but has been discovered for a long time.

The professional analysis of Dr. Huu Khanh pointed out that the disease is caused by bacteria entering the body through an open wound on the body. The bacteria slowly enter the blood, causing blood infection or necrosis of many organs, including the skin and diseased skin, causing necrotic ulcers, so it is called “flesh-eating bacteria”. This disease is more common in adults than children.

Bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei is present in soil and unclean water, when conditions are favorable, it will enter the human body. This disease is not spread from person to person. Symptoms of the disease can be acute such as fever, respiratory failure, convulsions or prolonged pneumonia, prolonged fever, necrotic ulcers of 1 or more skin areas on the body.

Whitmore’s disease can be effectively prevented with simple measures such as: wearing gloves, wearing protective boots when in contact with unclean soil or water; Wash hands and feet with soap under clean running water immediately upon contact with unclean water or soil.

Patients who suddenly have infected, necrotic wounds on the body of the treating physician should think of Whitmore’s disease. The diagnostic test and the correct use of antibiotics will bring optimal effectiveness in treatment, preventing the disease from reoccurrence.