Moraxella lacunata Bacteremia and Sepsis Associated With Ecthyma Gangrenosum

Abstract

We report a case of Moraxella lacunata bacteremia and sepsis associated with ecthyma gangrenosum in a patient with a hematologic malignancy and successful treatment with antimicrobial therapy. Ecthyma gangrenosum, although classically associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can occur with any bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. In this case report, we review the literature on Moraxella lacunata infections and conclude that it should be considered as a viable contender as a cause of ecthyma gangrenosum in any immunocompromised patient who presents with skin lesions and gram-negative rod bacteremia.

Eculizumab-Associated Moraxella lacunata Bacteremia and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome in a Toddler with Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

“…Several of the adults with invasive Moraxella lacunata infections were immunocompromised, but none were among children until this report. 13,16 Eculizumab binds with high affinity and specificity to C5, inhibiting its cleavage to C5a and C5b. It thus blocks the terminal complement cascade, without affecting the generation of C3b which is needed for opsonophagocytosis and shaping adaptive immune responses.…”

“…Several of the adults with invasive Moraxella lacunata infections were immunocompromised, but none were among children until this report. 13,16…”