Polymicrobial Wound Infection Caused by Lelliottia amnigena, Staphylococcus aureus, and Corynebacterium Following a...

Lelliottia amnigena, a Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacterium commonly isolated from aqueous and soil environments, is typically an opportunistic pathogen, particularly in immunocompromised hosts. Despite its low prevalence as a human pathogen, documented cases include urinary tract infections, acute cholecystitis, and sepsis. In contrast, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a coagulase and catalase-positive Gram-positive organism, is frequently associated with a spectrum of infections, ranging from skin infections to severe conditions such as pneumonia and endocarditis. Furthermore, pathogenic species of Corynebacterium, including Corynebacterium diphtheriae, are recognized for their role in upper respiratory infections and other serious conditions. We report a novel case of cellulitis due to the coinfection of L. amnigena, MRSA, and Corynebacterium in a patient who suffered a trauma to three toes from a lawnmower incident. Notably, the patient possessed no prior medical history or discernible immunocompromising factors, underscoring the unusual nature of this presentation. This case emphasizes the importance of obtaining intraoperative cultures and employing culture-directed antimicrobial therapy in managing complex, environmentally contaminated wounds.