Streptococcus intermediuscausing cellulitis of the penile shaft complicated with abscess formation and rupture after dry humping sex

Abstract

Penile cellulitis with abscess formation then rupture is an extremely rare presentation. This is a case report of a penile shaft abscess caused byStreptococcus intermediusafter ‘dry humping’ sexual activities. A 34-year-old healthy man was presented with painful penile swelling for 3 weeks after initial ‘dry humping’ and later penovaginal intercourse. He was admitted to the hospital for intravenous antibiotics treatment, but a penile abscess was developed and ruptured within 24 hours. Urgent penile exploration revealed localised abscess andS. intermediuswas isolated. The wound healed by secondary intention. However, his admission was complicated by acute kidney injury, probably due to vancomycin. Therefore, longer inpatient supportive care was required before discharge. Given this severe complication of primary penile cutaneous infection byS. intermedius, our case would raise awareness of this normal flora in abscess development at the male genital region, and the importance for the patient seeking prompt medical advice and physicians administrating appropriate antibiotics.