Ecthyma Gangrenosum in Pseudomonas Septicemia

Abstract

We are reporting two cases of Pseudomonas septicemia because of the characteristic skin lesions which enable therapy to begin early. The seriousness of Pseudomonas septicemia is so great as to warrant early antimicrobial therapy even before the cultures are reported. The apparent increased incidence of Pseudomonas septicemia also stresses the importance of recognizing these skin lesions. Except when characteristic skin lesions are present, the clinical picture of Pseudomonas sepsis may not differ from that produced by a variety of organisms, and the diagnosis must be based on culturing the bacillus from the blood. The disease may be accompanied by chills, fever, prostration, petechial skin lesions, jaundice,