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Published on: June 15, 2019

Acute necrotizing sinusitis caused by Staphylococcus lugdunensis

Philippa C Matthews1, Rajeka Lazarus, Andrew Protheroe

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom. p.matthews@doctors.org.uk

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|May 20, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Staphylococcus lugdunensis, typically linked to inguinal infections, is now identified as a cause of bacterial sinusitis. This finding suggests its potential role as an upper airway commensal, capable of causing severe tissue damage.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Staphylococcus lugdunensis is primarily known for causing infections in the inguinal region.
  • Its role in upper respiratory tract infections has not been extensively studied.

Observation:

  • This study reports a case of bacterial sinusitis caused by Staphylococcus lugdunensis.
  • The patient presented with severe necrotic sinusitis.

Findings:

  • Staphylococcus lugdunensis can be a causative agent of bacterial sinusitis.
  • The observed pathology was severe, with significant necrosis.
  • This suggests Staphylococcus lugdunensis may act as a commensal in the upper airways, with pathogenic potential.

Implications:

  • Highlights a potential new niche for Staphylococcus lugdunensis as an upper airway commensal.
  • The organism's capacity for destructive pathology mimics that of Staphylococcus aureus.
  • This finding may broaden the differential diagnosis for bacterial sinusitis and necessitate further investigation into S. lugdunensis upper airway colonization.

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