Expanding spectrum of illness due to community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a case report

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Russell Ryan Kempker, Emory University; Lorenzo Difrancesco, Emory University; Alejandro Martin-Gorgojo, University of Valencia; Carlos Franco-Paredes, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2009
• Publisher: BioMed Central
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2009 Kempker et al.; licensee Cases Network Ltd.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported
• Final Published Version (URL): http://www.casesjournal.com/content/2/1/7437
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Cases Journal
• ISSN: 1757-1626
• Volume: 2
• Issue: 7437
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health; Biology, Virology

Abstract

Introduction Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is a rarely identified form of chronic pyelonephritis usually caused by gram-negative organisms. Herein, we report the first case caused by infection due to community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain. Case presentation An HIV-infected female with a history of intravenous drug use presented with a three month history of abdominal pain, distension, and fever. Computerized tomography of the abdomen revealed a large multicystic right kidney mass. During surgical exploration an intrarenal abscess was identified. Cultures revealed the presence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Histopathological examination demonstrated xanthogranulomatous disease. The patient was successfully treated with nephrectomy and a prolonged antibiotic combination regimen with vancomycin and linezolid. Conclusion Our case illustrates the escalating spectrum of illness caused by infection due to community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.