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Published on: April 7, 2015
A complex case of bacterial pericarditis caused by a new pathogenic agent
Joana Lima Lopes1, Daniel Candeias Faria1, Bárbara Flor-de-Lima2
1Cardiology Department, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal.
Abstract:
Dermabacter hominis is a gram-positive facultative anaerobic agent. It is a human skin colonizer that can be responsible for opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients. To date, the infections caused by this agent are related to bone, joint, eye, peritoneal dialysis catheters, abscesses or infected vascular grafts. Overall, it has a favorable outcome with good response to vancomycin, teicoplanin or linezolide, and so it has not been considered a concerning pathogenic agent. We present the first case in scientific literature with isolation of D. hominis in pericardial fluid in the setting of infectious bacterial pericarditis, with an aggressive course and poor evolution.
Insights
Dermabacter hominis, a skin bacterium, can cause opportunistic infections. This case highlights its rare but aggressive presentation in pericardial fluid, leading to infectious bacterial pericarditis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Dermabacter hominis is a gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacterium commonly colonizing human skin.
- It is known to cause opportunistic infections, primarily in immunocompromised individuals.
- Previously reported infections involve bone, joints, eyes, and devices like peritoneal dialysis catheters and vascular grafts.
Observation:
- This study reports the first documented case of Dermabacter hominis isolated from pericardial fluid.
- The patient presented with infectious bacterial pericarditis.
- The clinical course was aggressive with a poor outcome.
Findings:
- Dermabacter hominis can be an etiological agent of infectious bacterial pericarditis.
- The bacterium's presence in pericardial fluid indicates a potential for severe, invasive infections.
- This contrasts with the generally favorable outcomes reported for other D. hominis infections.
Implications:
- This case expands the spectrum of clinical manifestations attributed to Dermabacter hominis.
- It underscores the importance of considering less common pathogens in severe infections, particularly pericarditis.
- Further research may be needed to understand the pathogenic mechanisms and optimal treatment strategies for invasive D. hominis infections.
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