Sphingomonas paucimobilis - a rare cause of splenic abscesses

Abstract Rationale: Infections with Sphingomonas paucimobilis are rarely described in the literature and can be community-acquired or associated with healthcare, especially in patients with chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus), malignancies, or other causes of immunosuppression, except in people without comorbidities. We present the case of a patient with diabetes mellitus and hypertension diagnosed during a routine evaluation, with splenic abscess caused by S paucimobilis. Our literature search revealed no other case report of splenic abscess caused only by S paucimobilis. Patient concerns: We present the case of a 55-year-old Caucasian man with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Diagnosis: Thoraco-abdominal computed tomography revealed splenomegaly of 20X16X18 cm, with a homogeneous subcapsular hypodense collection, with a mass effect on the left hemidiaphragm. Interventions: The patient underwent surgical intervention and S paucimobilis was isolated on blood agar. Outcome: The patient received treatment with ciprofloxacin (500 mg twice daily) for 14 days, with favorable outcomes. Lessons: S paucimobilis, a low-virulence bacterium, can cause community-acquired or nosocomial infections. Visceral localizations, usually symptomatic, can evolve rapidly, and the diagnosis is associated with complications or, as in our case, with careful investigation of some changes in laboratory investigations.