Bacteremia is a condition with high mortality; it is important to identify the causative microorganism to provide targeted treatment. Approximately 1% of bacteremia cases are due to unusual germs such as Kocuria rosea, which is a gram-positive coccus bacterium and is part of the human skin, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal flora. It can act as an opportunistic pathogen, generally in immunocompromised patients, and is usually associated with device-related infections. We believe that the clinical impact of this unusual presentation of this microorganism, which is increasingly encountered in clinical settings, grows rapidly, poses a risk of embolism and organ dysfunction, and now manifests in immunocompetent patients, should be considered. We present the novel case of an immunocompetent patient who experienced embolic phenomena in both superficial and deep tissues caused by Kocuria rosea at a fourth-level hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. The patient was a 43-year-old Mestizo male with a bacterial infection caused by Kocuria rosea, presenting embolic phenomena from the iliac muscle to the back of the hand and foot, as evidenced by a computed tomography scan. He received antibiotic treatment with vancomycin and showed a favorable response. Endocarditis and central nervous system involvement were ruled out, and no surgical intervention was necessary. It is important to highlight that bacteremia caused by Kocuria rosea should be suspected not only in immunocompromised patients but now also in immunocompetent individuals, as demonstrated by the case presented. Therefore, it should be recognized by primary care, emergency, and hospital medical staff. There is little information in literature, and with this case report we hope to contribute to the knowledge of this topic and continue delving into this infection. This study adhered to ethical guidelines, received the necessary institutional approvals, and obtained the patient’s informed consent.
Vargas et al. (Tue,) studied this question.