Sarcina, a new threat in the bariatric era

Hum Pathol. 2015 Sep;46(9):1405-7. doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2015.05.021. Epub 2015 Jun 5.

Abstract

First identified in humans by Goodsir in 1842, Sarcina were already known to cause fatal abomasal bloat in animals. Their pathogenicity in humans has only recently been characterized. Sarcina is not inherently pathogenic but, with a gastric ulcer and delayed gastric emptying, can result in perforation. We present a case report of a 32-year-old woman status post-gastric banding presenting with epigastric pain. Upper endoscopy revealed a gastric ulcer near the band. After deflation, upper gastrointestinal series showed passage of contrast and no perforation. Ulcer biopsy showed gastric contents composed of Sarcina. Proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics were administered. Follow-up endoscopy at an outside institution resulted in perforation. This case report supports a growing body of literature that Sarcina organisms contribute to ulcers and perforation. This is the first report of Sarcina in elective bariatric surgery patients, highlighting the high suspicion needed among pathologists evaluating ulcers in this unique surgical population.

Keywords: Bariatric; Delayed gastric emptying; Perforation; Sarcina; Ulcer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bariatric Surgery / adverse effects*
  • Biopsy
  • Female
  • Gastroscopy
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / diagnosis
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / drug therapy
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Sarcina / isolation & purification*
  • Sarcina / pathogenicity
  • Stomach Ulcer / diagnosis
  • Stomach Ulcer / drug therapy
  • Stomach Ulcer / microbiology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors