First US Case of Vagococcus Lutrae Infection in a Human: A Case Report

Abstract

Abstract Introduction/Objective Vagococcus Lutrae is a gram-positive, catalase-negative bacterium, that has been isolated from different animal species. It is an extremely rare pathogen in humans and has been documented in only two human cases globally. We present a case of V. Lutrae infection in humans, which is the third in the world and first in the US to be documented in literature. Methods/Case Report Our patient was a 75-year-old male with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia who presented with a right groin abscess with associated skin necrosis and cellulitis. V. Lutrae was identified in the culture of the abscess fluid. The diagnosis was made after conventional biochemical tests, automated methodology, and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The patient underwent incision and drainage of the abscess, was treated with antibiotics, and showed improvement upon follow-up. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Our case highlights the importance of considering V. Lutrae as a potential pathogen in patients with skin infections, particularly those with a history of contact with contaminated water or soil. Further studies are needed to better understand the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of V. Lutrae infections in humans.