Article Text
Abstract
Gemella morbillorumis a known commensal organism of the human oropharynx, gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary tract which is a rare cause of infections and even more rarely implicated in skin and soft tissue infections. We present a case of a young, HIV-positive patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the perianal region who presented with difficulty initiating urination for 1 week as well as increasing left leg swelling. His CD4 count was found to be 186, predisposing him to infection, and he had also received chemotherapy in the past year for his malignancy. He was febrile and tachycardic on presentation and admitted for further care. CT scan of the pelvis at time of admission demonstrated a pelvic abscess. Aspiration cultures ultimately grew G. morbillorum. Despite initial improvement with drainage and targeted antimicrobial therapy, the patient’s abscess recurred, and he ultimately elected transition to hospice due to worsening prognosis of malignancy.
- infections
- malignant disease and immunosuppression
- skin
- infectious diseases
- skin cancer
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Footnotes
Contributors BEU was responsible for the conception and primary writing of the manuscript. RR was responsible for critical revising/editing of the manuscript. Both authors made substantial contributions to the design of the work, the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data. Both authors agreed together on final approval before submission. Both authors are in agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.
Patient consent for publication Parental/guardian consent obtained.