Fournier's ganrene in the HIV era.

BACKGROUND: Fournier's gangrene is a devastating condition that affects mostly patients whose immunity has been reduced. There is increasing evidence for increasing incidence of the disease in those with HIV disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presentation, bacteriology and outcome of Fournier's gangrene in our area in recent times in view of the high prevalence in Nairobi and its environs.

RESULTS: One hundred and forty six patients were treated for Fournier's gangrene during the study period; all were male. They had a mean age of 38.6 years (range 2 months - 86 years). HIV infection was the most common associated underlying illness (16.4 %), followed by diabetes mellitus and alcoholism (11%).

CONCLUSIONS: HIV infection is emerging as leading predisposing factor and has overtaken diabetes in predisposing for Fournier's gangrene in Kenyatta National Hospital.