An Unusual Case of Perirenal Abscess Caused by Campylobacter and Peptostreptococcus Species

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Case Reports

Background:

• Intra-abdominal abscesses typically originate from visceral organs.
• Campylobacter species are Gram-negative rods primarily associated with oral infections.
• Extra-intestinal infections caused by Campylobacter are infrequently documented.

Observation:

• A rare case of a perinephric abscess presenting as abdominal pain is reported.
• The abscess yielded cultures positive for Campylobacter rectus (C. rectus) and Peptostreptococcus spp.
• This represents the first reported instance of a perinephric abscess attributed to C. rectus.

Findings:

• Campylobacter rectus, typically an oral pathogen, was identified as a causative agent in a perinephric abscess.
• Peptostreptococcus spp. were co-isolated, suggesting a polymicrobial infection.
• The source of the C. rectus infection remains unclear, with hypotheses including oral cavity infections, bowel microperforations, or fecal-oral transmission.

Implications:

• Campylobacter rectus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unusual extra-oral infections, including invasive abscesses.
• This case expands the known spectrum of clinical manifestations for C. rectus.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathogenesis and transmission routes of Campylobacter-associated extra-intestinal infections.