Bacillus Cereus: A Causative Organism for Deep Soft Tissue Infection to Forearm Following Trauma

Publication date: Available online 29 May 2017 Source:Journal of Arthroscopy and Joint Surgery Author(s): K. Malik-Tabassum, Y.S. Hussain, K.S. Scott, M. Farndon Bacillus cereus is a Gram-positive, spore-forming rod, which is part of the Bacillus genus. Although, most commonly known to cause gastrointestinal infections, B. cereus infections can also result in osteomyelitis, meningitis, pneumonia, and endophthalmitis. Deep soft tissue infections caused by Bacillus cereus are uncommon and hence, rarely reported in the literature. Here we describe the case of young lady who presented with persistent soft tissue infection of her forearm following a traumatic injury despite treatment with empirical antibiotics. Soft tissue samples taken intra-operatively grew Bacillus cereus, which was treated successfully with intravenous vancomycin and oral ciprofloxacin. Bacillus cereus soft tissue infections should be considered as differential diagnosis for persistent inflammation following limb trauma. Soft tissue biopsies could play a vital role in accurate diagnosis and prompt management of such infections.
Source: Journal of Arthroscopy and Joint Surgery - Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research