Available online 19 July 2022, 102613

Bifidobacterium breve (B. breve) is known as one of the health-promoting probiotic bacteria.

However, it causes infectious diseases in infants and immunocompromised patients.

This is the first case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by B. breve that required amputation of the right lower leg.

B. breve can be an opportunistic pathogen and cause life-threatening invasive infections in patients with comorbidities.

We report the first case of necrotizing fasciitis and bacteremia caused by Bifidobacterium breve. Some Bifidobacterium breve strains are known as probiotic bacterium. However, it causes bacteremia in infants and immunocompromised patients. Our patient developed necrotizing fasciitis which was thought to have been infected from chronic diabetic foot ulcers. Bifidobacterium breve was isolated from the patient's blood and soft tissue sample. The patient underwent amputation and intravenous antibiotics administration.

Bifidobacterium breve

Necrotizing fasciitis

Bacteremia

Probiotics

Sepsis

Opportunistic pathogen

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