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Streptococcus pneumoniae pelvic inflammatory disease. A case report
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Background:
Single-agent causes of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are uncommon. Streptococcus pneumoniae, as the suspected sole causative bacterium, has been reported since the 1800s. In the postantibiotic era, 46 cases have been reported, with a high mortality rate.
Case:
We report a case of S pneumoniae as a single bacterial etiology of PID. This single bacterial species was documented by separate cervicovaginal, culdocentesis and laparoscopic cultures.
Conclusion:
It is unusual to identify an uncommon, single organism as the causative bacterial species in PID in an immunocompetent patient without evidence of a primary infectious pneumococcal source.
Insights
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is rarely caused by a single bacterium. Streptococcus pneumoniae was identified as the sole cause of PID in an immunocompetent patient, highlighting an unusual case.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Gynecology
Background:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is typically polymicrobial.
- Single-agent PID is uncommon, with Streptococcus pneumoniae historically implicated.
- Recent reports show a high mortality rate for S. pneumoniae PID.
Observation:
- This case details an immunocompetent patient with PID.
- Cultures confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae as the sole causative agent.
- Samples included cervicovaginal, culdocentesis, and laparoscopic specimens.
Findings:
- S. pneumoniae was identified as the single bacterial etiology of PID.
- The absence of a primary pneumococcal source complicates the diagnosis.
- This presentation is unusual in the postantibiotic era.
Implications:
- Highlights the need to consider uncommon single pathogens in PID diagnosis.
- Suggests potential for S. pneumoniae to cause severe PID without typical risk factors.
- Underscores the importance of comprehensive microbiological investigation in PID.