Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica Infection without Myiasis in South Korea: An Extremely Rare Case Report

Abstract

Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica are aerobic, non-motile, gram-negative rods, first described by Toth et al. in 2008. A small number of cases of W. chitiniclastica infections have been reported worldwide. These bacteria are transmitted through fly larvae in open wounds of skin and/or mucosal surfaces on the host. W. chitiniclastica is pathogenic to humans and can cause severe diseases like septicemia and osteomyelitis. Herein, we report the identification of W. chitiniclastica in tissue culture from a severely ill, infected patient without myiasis. Diagnoses of W. chitiniclastica without myiasis are often missed; therefore, careful attention is needed. It is reported that W. chitiniclastica infection responds well to antibiotics and general treatment of open wounds in diabetic feet. Hence, early intravenous antibiotic treatment and adequate surgical management are required for efficient management and also to prevent progression to severe disease.