Cutaneous infection due to Bacillus pumilus: report of 3 cases

Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Feb 15;44(4):e40-2. doi: 10.1086/511077. Epub 2006 Dec 29.

Abstract

Human infection due to Bacillus pumilus is exceptional. We report 3 cases of cutaneous infection caused by B. pumilus that occurred in 3 shepherds, 2 of whom were members of the same family. The lesions appeared to have a morphology similar to that of cutaneous anthrax lesions. Two patients were cured after treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanate, and the third patient was cured after prolonged treatment with ciprofloxacin. To our knowledge, primary cutaneous infection due to B. pumilus has not been reported. B. pumilus should be considered in patients who develop lesions suggestive of cutaneous anthrax.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Anthrax / diagnosis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacillus / classification*
  • Bacillus / drug effects
  • Bacillus anthracis / isolation & purification
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Family
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Rare Diseases
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / microbiology*
  • Spain

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents