Work

Periorbital and Central Nervous System Infection Due to Arcanobacterium haemolyticum: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Arcanobacterium haemolyticum is a facultative anaerobe, catalase-negative, Gram-positive pleomorphic rod, most commonly responsible for pharyngeal infections. Invasive A. haemolyticum infections are rare and typically involve immunocompromised patients; however, severe and invasive infections in immunocompetent patients have also been reported. Here we describe a case of sinusitis complicated by periorbital cellulitis, subdural empyema and cerebritis due to A. haemolyticum in an immunocompetent patient. The patient was initially treated with daptomycin + piperacillin/tazobactam and subsequently with linezolid + meropenem and required multiple surgical interventions to attain source control. Although uncommon, A. haemolyticum should be considered as a causative agent of severe infections complicating pharyngitis or sinusitis that may result from local extension or haematogenous spread, even in an immunocompetent host. We also present a literature review on central nervous system involvement by A. haemolyticum infection.

Source: Microorganisms

DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13092208

Authors: Pierangelo Chinello, Alessandro Capone, Samir Al Moghazi, Paolo Cirillo, Carla Fontana, Stefania Cicalini

Institution: Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive Lazzaro Spallanzani

Language: English

Topic: Otolaryngology and Infectious Diseases

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258