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Published on: March 2, 2020

Septicemia of unknown origin causing by Streptococcus agalactiae primary psoas abscess: a case report

Somchai Meesiri1

  • 1Department of Surgery, Srisangworn Sukhothai Hospital, Sukhothai, Thailand. somchaimeesiri@yahoo.com

Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
|June 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Primary psoas abscesses are usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus. This case highlights a rare Streptococcus agalactiae primary psoas abscess in a diabetic patient, successfully treated with antibiotics and drainage.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Primary psoas abscesses are most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Non-staphylococcal causes are increasingly reported, necessitating broader etiological consideration.
  • Diabetic patients exhibit increased susceptibility to infections, including soft tissue and deep-seated abscesses.

Observation:

  • A case of primary psoas abscess in a type II diabetic woman is presented.
  • The patient had a prior history of Streptococcus agalactiae septicemia of unknown origin.
  • The abscess was successfully treated with a combination of penicillin and clindamycin, alongside prompt surgical drainage.

Findings:

  • Streptococcus agalactiae can be an etiological agent of primary psoas abscess.
  • Prompt antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention are effective in managing such cases.
  • Diabetic individuals are at higher risk for primary psoas abscesses caused by Streptococcus agalactiae.

Implications:

  • This case expands the known spectrum of pathogens causing primary psoas abscesses.
  • It underscores the importance of considering Streptococcus agalactiae in diabetic patients with psoas abscesses.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in complex infectious cases.

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