Hong Kong, APR 30 (EFE) .- A citizen of Hong Kong was subjected to the amputation of his left leg after developing a streptococcal infection of group A, two days after going to an acupuncture treatment in two Chinese traditional medicine clinics.
The Health Protection Center notified that the 47 -year -old man presented fever and pain in the left thigh, which led him to look for private medical care.
It was diagnosed with septic shock and necrotizing fasciitis, a serious bacterial infection, known as ‘devouring meat infection’.
Subsequently, he was transferred to the Queen Mary public hospital, where the amputation of the lower left limb was held. The center reported that the patient, with a history of pre -existing pathologies, is admitted to stable condition.
Group A streptococcal infection is caused by the bacteria ‘Streptococcus pyogenes’, present in the throat and skin, and its transmission occurs through respiratory droplets and direct physical contact.
Initial epidemiological investigations revealed that the individual suffered a back torsion when lifting heavy objects, the same office reported. Subsequently, he experienced hip pain and numbness in the left leg and foot.
The affected party received acupuncture treatment of traditional Chinese medicine from two doctors recorded in the areas of Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay.
during the incubation period, he did not make trips abroad, nor suffered wounds or other skin lesions. His contacts remained asymptomatic.
-Health Department personnel investigated the facilities where acupuncture was carried out, reviewed the procedures and collected environmental samples of the office at Causeway Bay.
The laboratory results showed that an environmental sample of the clinic tested positive for Group A streptococcus, a type that coincides with the sample obtained from the individual. Currently, genetic analysis is being carried out to confirm the relationship.
“During the investigation, indications were detected that the Chinese Medicine professional would not have strictly followed the infection control protocols during acupuncture. The investigation is still ongoing,” said a spokesman for the South China Morning Post.
Necrotizing fasciitis can be triggered by various microorganisms, being ‘Streptococcus’ of the group to the most frequent etiological agent. These microorganisms usually access the body through cuts, abrasions, burns, insect bites or stabbing wounds in the skin.
Sung Chuk-Kei, president of the Hong Kong first-line Chinese Medicine Physicians, pointed out that individual physical condition could influence the susceptibility to infection.
The specialist added that acupuncture is an invasive procedure that, according to the deontological code of the Chinese Medicine Council, requires the fulfillment of rigorous aseptic measures, such as the use of disposable needles and the disinfection of the patient’s skin.
“It is essential to underline that it is an isolated incident and that the reputation of the traditional Chinese medicine sector should not undermine,” said Sung. EFE
MSC/AA/RRT
