Cutaneous infection and bactaeremia caused by Erwinia billingiae: a case report

Area of Science:

• Medical microbiology
• Infectious diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Cellulitis and erysipelas are common bacterial skin infections.
• Staphylococcus aureus and streptococci are the typical causative agents.
• Gram-negative bacteria are infrequently implicated in these infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of dermohypodermitis and bacteremia.
• To identify the causative agent as Erwinia billingiae.
• To highlight a novel pathogen in human skin infections.

Main Methods:

• Case report and clinical data analysis.
• Identification of the bacterial pathogen through microbiological culture and identification techniques.
• Review of existing literature on Erwinia billingiae infections.

Main Results:

• A patient presented with symptoms of dermohypodermitis and bacteremia.
• Erwinia billingiae, a Gram-negative bacteria typically associated with pome fruit trees, was isolated.
• The patient received appropriate antimicrobial treatment.

Conclusions:

• Erwinia billingiae can be a causative agent of severe skin and systemic infections in humans.
• This case underscores the importance of considering unusual pathogens in clinical practice.
• Further research is needed to understand the pathogenicity and epidemiology of Erwinia billingiae in humans.