Propionibacterium avidum as the etiologic agent of splenic abscess

Propionibacterium avidum was isolated from an intrasplenic abscess in a patient recovering from coronary artery bypass surgery. This organism has not previously been reported as an etiologic agent of splenic abscess nor has splenic abscess been described as a complication of coronary bypass surgery. This report emphasizes the potential pathogenicity of normal microbial flora following surgical manipulation.