Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Identification of Virulence Markers of Mycobacterium abscessus for Intracellular Replication in Phagocytes
08:34

Identification of Virulence Markers of Mycobacterium abscessus for Intracellular Replication in Phagocytes

Published on: September 27, 2018

[Cutaneous abscess due to Gemella morbillorum]

Iago Villamil1, Alberto Villar, Luis A Masa

  • 1Unidad de Hospitalización a Domicilio, Departamento de Medicina, Hospital Gil Casares, Santiago de Compostela, España. iago.villamil.cajoto@sergas.es

Revista Chilena De Infectologia : Organo Oficial De La Sociedad Chilena De Infectologia
|November 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Gemella morbillorum, a Gram-positive coccus, rarely causes human disease. This report details a rare cutaneous abscess caused by this bacterium, highlighting its potential for skin infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Gemella morbillorum is a Gram-positive coccus residing in the oropharyngeal flora.
  • Infections caused by Gemella morbillorum mimic those of viridans streptococci.
  • While endovascular and acute invasive infections are documented, cutaneous manifestations are rare.

Observation:

  • A case of cutaneous abscess attributed to Gemella morbillorum is presented.
  • The abscess occurred on the skin, a less commonly reported site for this pathogen.

Findings:

  • This study confirms Gemella morbillorum as a causative agent of cutaneous abscess.
  • The clinical presentation and microbiology of this rare skin infection are detailed.

Implications:

  • This case expands the spectrum of known Gemella morbillorum infections.
  • Highlights the importance of considering Gemella morbillorum in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous abscesses.
  • Further research into the pathogenesis of cutaneous Gemella morbillorum infections is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Staphylococcal Skin Infections01:29

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III01:31

Pulmonary Tuberculosis III

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
The Skin Microbiota01:27

The Skin Microbiota

The human skin serves as a complex ecosystem inhabited by a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining skin health and defending against pathogenic invaders. The composition of microbial communities varies significantly across different regions of the body, influenced primarily by the local levels of moisture and sebum.Regional Variation in Skin MicrobiotaCutibacterium acnes predominantly colonizes sebaceous...
Acne Infection01:27

Acne Infection

Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...