Propionibacterium acnes Pyogenic Liver Abscess and Pylephlebitis.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Hepatology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Pyogenic liver abscess and portal vein septic thrombophlebitis are serious infections.
• Propionibacterium acnes is typically associated with skin and implant infections.
• Co-infections are common in liver abscesses, but pure Propionibacterium acnes infections are rare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an unusual case of pyogenic liver abscess and pylephlebitis.
• To highlight Propionibacterium acnes as a sole causative agent in an adult patient.
• To describe successful management strategies for this rare condition.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 44-year-old male patient.
• Diagnosis confirmed by imaging and blood cultures.
• Treatment involved percutaneous drainage and antimicrobial therapy.

Main Results:

• Isolation of Propionibacterium acnes in pure culture from the liver abscess.
• Successful clinical and radiological resolution following treatment.
• Absence of other known pathogens.

Conclusions:

• Propionibacterium acnes can be a rare but significant cause of pyogenic liver abscess and pylephlebitis in adults.
• A combination of percutaneous drainage and targeted antimicrobial therapy is effective.
• This case expands the spectrum of diseases caused by Propionibacterium acnes.