A Rare Case of Viridans Group Streptococci Pyogenic Liver Abscess in a Young Male With No Prior Risk Factors

Abstract

Pyogenic liver abscesses (PLAs) secondary to bacterial etiologies are rare in North America and other developed countries. The predominant etiology of PLAs is an infection extending from the hepatobiliary or intestinal system. As such, the most common pathogens isolated from PLA in the United States are Escherichia coli and Klebsiella. Viridans group streptococci (VGS), on the other hand, are a large group of commensal bacteria in the oral flora and are a significantly less common cause of infection. Here, we report a rare case of a complicated isolated VGS PLA in a patient without known comorbidities. The patient was born and raised in the United States without recent travel history. Computed tomography (CT) with contrast showed multiple hypodense multiloculated lesions in the right lobe of the liver, measuring up to 13 cm, with mild wall thickening of the distal ileum and cecum. The abscesses were confirmed later as Streptococcus viridans PLA. The patient was treated with CT-guided drainage and IV antibiotics and, after that, made a quick recovery and was discharged. Our case underlines the significance of considering liver abscess as a differential even in previously healthy individuals with no known prior comorbid conditions, as prompt recognition is imperative in preventing morbidity and mortality.