Ochrobactrum anthropi Causing Fournier's Gangrene: A Report of a Rare Case

Fournier's gangrene is a form of necrotizing fasciitis that affects the penis, scrotum, or vulva. Novel bacteria for this type of infection include both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Rarely, other microorganisms can be the causative agent of the infection. Ochrobactrum anthropi is an aerobic, gram-negative, opportunistic infection that often affects orthopedic hardware and has been described as a pathogen within the cornea, as well. This case report describes a patient presenting with Fournier's gangrene in which the causative pathogen was identified via tissue culture as O. anthropi that was resistant to most broad-spectrum antibiotics. The patient presented afebrile with leukocytosis, and imaging showed subcutaneous emphysema seen at the soft tissues of the right gluteal cleft and extending along the right base of the penis into the fat of the right inguinal canal, consistent with Fournier's gangrene. Treatment duration and regimen were guided by symptom improvement, existing literature, and the susceptibility report.