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Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
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An unusual case of Streptococcus anginosus group pyomyositis diagnosed using direct 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing

Andrew Walkty1, John M Embil2, Kim Nichol3

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba ; Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba ; Clinical Microbiology, Health Sciences Centre, Diagnostic Services Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases & Medical Microbiology = Journal Canadien Des Maladies Infectieuses Et De La Microbiologie Medicale
|March 18, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Serious pyogenic infections caused by the Streptococcus anginosus group can lead to abscesses. This case highlights the importance of identifying these bacteria, even from a single blood culture, to diagnose and treat deep-seated infections like pyomyositis.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • The Streptococcus anginosus group, comprising S. intermedius, S. constellatus, and S. anginosus, is associated with severe pyogenic infections and abscess formation.
  • Pyomyositis, a bacterial infection of the muscle, can be challenging to diagnose, especially when initial cultures are misleading.

Observation:

  • A 47-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of a deep infection.
  • A single positive blood culture for a Streptococcus anginosus group organism was initially dismissed as a contaminant (viridans streptococci).

Findings:

  • The patient was ultimately diagnosed with pyomyositis caused by the Streptococcus anginosus group.
  • 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing of purulent fluid from a muscle abscess confirmed the diagnosis, even after antimicrobial therapy had begun.

Implications:

  • A single positive blood culture for Streptococcus anginosus group bacteria warrants thorough patient evaluation for deep-seated pyogenic infections.
  • 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing is a valuable tool for pathogen identification in pyomyositis, particularly when prior antibiotic treatment complicates standard cultures.
Keywords:
16S rDNAPyomyositisSequencingStreptococcus anginosus group

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