Multiple subcutaneous abscesses by Corynebacterium amycolatum in a patient with severe idiopathic aplastic anaemia

TL;DR

A patient with a weakened immune system developed severe skin abscesses caused by Corynebacterium amycolatum, a bacterium often overlooked in infections.

Contribution

The study reports a rare case highlighting C. amycolatum as a significant pathogen in immunocompromised individuals.

Findings

Corynebacterium amycolatum was identified as the causative agent of multiple subcutaneous abscesses in a patient with severe neutropenia.

The case emphasizes the importance of genotyping for accurate identification of C. amycolatum in clinical settings.

Abstract

Corynebacterium amycolatum is a part of the normal skin flora and has been underestimated as a pathogen. However, in recent years, the species has gained recognition as an important pathogen causing severe infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Nevertheless, identifying these organisms at the species level is difficult in routine clinical microbiology, leading to limited knowledge of their clinical manifestations in infectious diseases. In this study, we report a rare case of multiple subcutaneous abscesses in a patient with severe neutropenia, wherein C.amycolatum was identified as the causative organism through genotyping tests. This case highlights the importance of this organism as an aetiological agent of severe skin infections in patients with compromised immune systems.

This manuscript presents a rare case report of a patient with severe idiopathic aplastic anaemia who developed multiple subcutaneous abscesses by Corynebacterium amycolatum. The report aims to elucidate the growing significance of Corynebacterium species as pivotal pathogens in individuals with compromised immune systems.

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