First case of necrotizing fasciitis and septicemia caused by Pigmentibacter ruber

Abstract

We herein report the first case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Pigmentibacter ruber. The isolated strain could not be identified by biochemical characterization and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The isolated strain was identified as P. ruber by 16S ribosomal RNA and whole genome sequencing. Although much remains unknown about the pathogenicity of this bacterial specie in humans, it has been revealed to cause life-threatening infections, such as septicemia and necrotizing fasciitis. Since the isolate was highly resistant to beta-lactams, it could be difficult to treat with antimicrobial therapy. Thus further documentation of cases and analyses are needed.