Gastric Mucosa Infection Caused by Sarcina Associated With Ulceration and Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

TL;DR

A rare Sarcina infection caused gastric ulcers and bleeding, showing the need for early diagnosis and treatment.

Contribution

Reports a rare case of Sarcina infection in the gastric mucosa with ulceration and bleeding.

Findings

Sarcina sp. was identified in gastric ulcers through endoscopy and biopsy.

Clinical and endoscopic improvement occurred after 32 days of antibiotic therapy.

The case emphasizes the importance of prompt diagnosis for this rare infection.

Abstract

Sarcina sp. (Ss) infection is a rare cause of gastrointestinal disease, with only 66 cases reported worldwide. We present a case of a 56-year-old man with alcohol abuse, smoking, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and decompensated cirrhosis. Endoscopy and biopsy revealed gastric ulcers with tetrad-shaped cocci consistent with Ss. After 32 days of hospitalization and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, both clinical and endoscopic improvement was observed. This case highlights the atypical presentation of this increasingly recognized infection and the importance of prompt diagnosis and supportive care.

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