Beauty contestant dies after amputation of hands and feet

[Guest guest]

 

“MISS WORLD” CONTESTANT DIES AFTER LOSING HANDS AND FEET

TO ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT INFECTION

Saturday, January 24, 2009

 

 

Mariana Bridi da Costa, Age 20

 

“Officials say a Brazilian model whose feet and hands were amputated in a desperate bid to save her life has died as a result of her infection. The Espirito Santo State Health Secretariat said in the statement she died from complications related to a generalized infection. It was caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is known to be resistant to multiple kinds of antibiotics. The beauty pageant contestant was suffering a generalized infection that forced the amputation of her hands and feet earlier this week because the flow of oxygen to her limbs was reduced.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium, which can cause disease in both animals and humans. It is found in soil, water, and most man-made environments throughout the world. It thrives not only in normal atmospheres, but also in oxygen-deprived environments. The symptoms of such infections include inflammation and sepsis and can be fatal if lodged in the lungs and kidneys. Because the bacterium thrives on moist surfaces, it is also found on and in medical equipment, including catheters causing cross-infections in hospitals and clinics. It is also implicated in the condition "hot-tub rash," a form of dermatitis associated with poor hygiene and low maintenance of hot tubs.”