Umbilical abscess caused by Helcococcus kunzii: a case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION

Helcococcus kunzii is a commensal bacterium found in the human skin that seldom causes infection. While there is documentation of abscesses; such as foot, breast, and brain abscesses; caused by H. kunzii, there are no reports of its causing umbilical abscesses.

CASE PRESENTATION

A case of scar tissue infection caused by H. kunzii in a diabetic patient is described. A single pathogen was isolated from a culture of the abscess extract and was identified as H. kunzii using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and 16S rRNA gene analysis. The patient was treated with a 5-day course of cefazolin for anti-infection, and after discharge from the hospital, was transferred to outpatient dressings.

CONCLUSIONS

Cefazolin has potential as a potent antimicrobial agent against H. kunzii. This report provides a viable treatment option for H. kunzii infections.