Gemella morbillorumisolated from a pelvic abscess in an HIV-positive patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the perianal region

Abstract

Gemella morbillorumis a known commensal organism of the human oropharynx, gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary tract which is a rare cause of infections and even more rarely implicated in skin and soft tissue infections. We present a case of a young, HIV-positive patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the perianal region who presented with difficulty initiating urination for 1 week as well as increasing left leg swelling. His CD4 count was found to be 186, predisposing him to infection, and he had also received chemotherapy in the past year for his malignancy. He was febrile and tachycardic on presentation and admitted for further care. CT scan of the pelvis at time of admission demonstrated a pelvic abscess. Aspiration cultures ultimately grewG. morbillorum.Despite initial improvement with drainage and targeted antimicrobial therapy, the patient’s abscess recurred, and he ultimately elected transition to hospice due to worsening prognosis of malignancy.