Acute Streptococcus constellatus Pyogenic Liver Abscess Due to an Atypical Presentation of Sigmoid Diverticulitis Complicated by Pericolonic Abscess

Quantitative investigation of the bacterial content of periodontal abscess samples by real-time PCR

OBJECTIVES

Periodontal abscesses, which are part of the acute periodontal disease group characterized by the destruction of periodontal tissue with deep periodontal pockets, bleeding on probing, suppuration, and localized pus accumulation, cause rapid destruction of tooth-supporting tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the microbial content of periodontal abscesses by specific and culture-independent qPCR.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 30 volunteers diagnosed with periodontal abscesses and presenting with complaints of localized pain, swelling, and tenderness in the gingiva. Genomic DNA was isolated from the samples taken. Escherichia coli bacteria were used for the standard curve created to calculate the prevalence of target bacteria in the total bacterial load. 16S rRNA Universal primers were used to assess the total bacterial load and prevalence. Bacterial counts were analyzed with Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (ρ) matrix.

RESULTS

From the analysis of Real-Time PCR, Porphyromonas gingivalis (30, 100%), Prevotella intermedia (30, 100%), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (30, 100%) were detected in all samples. Campylobacter rectus (29, 96.6%), Porphyromonas endodontalis (29, 96.6%), Tannerella forsythia (28, 93.3%), Filifactor alocis (28, 93.3%), and Actinomyces naeslundii (28, 93.3%) were also frequently detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Periodontal abscesses were found to be polymicrobial, and not only periodontal pathogens appeared to be associated with the development of periodontal abscesses. The presence, prevalence, and number of Porphyromonas endodontalis and Propionibacterium acnes in the contents of periodontal abscesses were determined for the first time in our study. Further studies are needed to better understand the roles of bacteria in periodontal disease, including abscesses.

Pyogenic Liver Abscess Growing Streptococcus constellatus in an Elderly Female With Recent Diverticulitis: A Case Report

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is known as a pus-filled lesion found in the liver which can quickly become fatal if not found and treated in a timely manner. The most common group of bacteria found in PLA is the Streptococcus Anginosus Group (SAG). Patients with PLA usually present with fever and right upper quadrant abdominal pain which can at times be referred to the right shoulder owing to dermatomal involvement. We present a case where a patient with a past medical history significant for recent diverticulosis presenting with a left lower quadrant abdominal pain, fever, and hypotension and on further workup was found to have a PLA. Blood cultures and cultures from the abscess grew Streptococcus constellatus. This bacteria is part of the SAG group however, it is rarely found in PLA and bloodstream.

The Clinical View on Streptococcus anginosus Group – Opportunistic Pathogens Coming Out of Hiding

Three distinct streptococcal species: Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus intermedius, and Streptococcus constellatus, belonging to the Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG), also known as Streptococcus milleri group, have been attracting clinicians and microbiologists, not only as oral commensals but also as opportunistic pathogens. For years they have been simply classified as so called viridans streptococci, and distinct species were not associated with particular clinical manifestations. Therefore, description of SAG members are clearly underrepresented in the literature, compared to other medically relevant streptococci. However, the increasing number of reports of life-threatening infections caused by SAG indicates their emerging pathogenicity. The improved clinical data generated with the application of modern molecular diagnostic techniques allow for precise identification of individual species belonging to SAG. This review summarizes clinical reports on SAG infections and systematizes data on the occurrence of individual species at the site of infection. We also discuss the issue of proper microbiological diagnostics, which is crucial for further clinical treatment.

Hepatic Abscess as Early Presentation of Perforated Diverticulitis

A hepatic abscess is a rare condition which can have multiple etiologies, including biliary disease, intra-abdominal collections (appendicitis, diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease), abdominal surgery, liver transplantation, and liver trauma. The diagnosis is primarily based on imaging findings of ultrasound and computed tomography scan. Management includes antibiotics and percutaneous drainage or surgical drainage of the abscess. Here, we present a case of a 43-year-old Hispanic female who initially presented with left lower quadrant and right upper quadrant abdominal pain for 1 week. She was found to have a hepatic abscess and pelvic abscess likely secondary to perforated diverticulum.