Hip abscess due to Aerococcus urinae in a man with paraplegia: Case report

Study design:Single case report.Objective:Present a case of hip abscess culture positive for Aerococcus urinae in a man with paraplegia.Background: Aerococcus species are uncommonly reported and may be misinterpreted as alpha streptococci or staphylococci. This organism can cause significant morbidity due to urinary tract infection with septicemia or endocarditis.Methods:Single case report.Results:The patient required surgical incision and debridement. Open joint inspection was performed, which was complicated by superior dislocation. The patient later required a Girdlestone procedure.Conclusions:A. urinae was cultured from a hip abscess in a man with paraplegia. Bacteremia, with the bladder as the reservoir, likely led to this abscess. Aerococcus is pathogenic and should be considered when culture results reveal unusual staph or strep species.