Multiple Lung Cavity Lesions, Thoracic Wall Abscess and Vertebral Destruction Caused by Streptococcus constellatus Infection: A Case Report

Abstract

Disseminated infection caused by Streptococcus constellatus was seldom occurred. We reported a case of Streptococcus constellatus infection, presenting as multiple pulmonary cavities, thoracic wall abscess and vertebral destruction. The 37-year-old male had recurrent fever, chest wall swelling and pain, and lower limb numbness, he had weak physical condition and previously suffered from poorly controlled diabetes and severe periodontal disease for 3 years. Definite diagnosis of Streptococcus constellatus infection was made by metagenomic next‑generation sequencing (mNGS) in abscess drainage fluid. Systemic antibiotics and thoracic wall drainage were given, and the pulmonary cavity and the thoracic intermuscular abscess were significantly decreased. Few to no study reported the disseminated infection (pulmonary cavities, thoracic wall abscess and vertebral destruction) caused by Streptococcus constellatus. This case report highlighted the importance of mNGS for accurate diagnosis, as well as the timely drainage and antibiotics for effective treatment of Streptococcus constellatus infection.

Keywords:

• Streptococcus constellatus
• pulmonary cavity
• thoracic wall abscess
• vertebral destruction
• metagenomic next‑generation sequencing

Patient Consent and Ethics Statement

The study was approved by the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University Medical Ethics Committee [Medical Ethics [Year 2022] No. 138]. The patient gave written informed consent for publication of the case and the relevant images. No institutional approval was required for the publishing of this case report.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

Drs. Zhu-Quan Su and Wan-Yuan Rao are co-first authors for this study. All authors declare no potential conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

Dr. Su declared that he had received the Youth Fund of State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease (SKLRD-Z-202314).