On May 8, Quy Hoa Central Leprosy - Dermatology Hospital (Quy Nhon Nam ward, Gia Lai province) said it had just successfully treated a critical Whitmore bacteria infection with many severe complications.
The patient is Mr. N.V.H. (born 1976, residing in An Nhon Bac ward, Gia Lai province), a granite maker. Mr. H. was admitted to the hospital on April 1 in a state of prolonged high fever, genital ulcers, severe pain in the thigh and right calf.
Patients with a history of Type 2 diabetes have poor control, HbA1c index up to 13.6%, causing the infection to progress rapidly and dangerously.
Initially, Mr. H. was diagnosed with a common skin infection and treated with antibiotics combined with on-site care. However, the disease did not improve and continued to worsen.
Through in-depth examination, doctors determined that the patient had Whitmore disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei bacteria (a "flesh-eating" bacteria) and immediately implemented an intensive treatment regimen.
The hospital performed major surgery to clean the spreading pus nest, remove damaged tissue, wash and drain to remove the source of infection. Organized an online consultation with experts at Bach Mai Hospital to agree on diagnosis, optimize treatment regimens and active resuscitation for patients.
According to Dr. Vu Tuan Anh - Director of Quy Hoa Central Leprosy - Dermatology Hospital, the patient's health is currently stable and is expected to be discharged today (May 8th). However, the patient still has to continue using antibiotics for about 6 months to thoroughly control bacteria.
