Septic Shock in a Patient With a Probable Rhino-Pharyngeal Cancer Abscess Due to Gemella Species

Abstract

A case of septic shock due to Gemella spp in a patient with a probable rhino-pharyngeal cancer-abscess is described. Gemellae have been associated to severe infections such as endocarditis and meningitis but septic shock has been usually considered a rare finding. Well-known risk factors for Gemellae bacteremia are neutropenia, antibiotic prophylaxis and proton pumps inhibitors, but reports in patients with solid cancers are increasing and the presence of a damaged oral mucosa could help their dissemination. The hypothesis that Gemellae may be encountered as opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised patients and a preventive approach to these infections are suggested.

J Med Cases. 2012;3(3):178-180
doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jmc567w