Unmasking the uncommon: Two case reports of emerging Streptococci

Abstract

Streptococci, especially a few rare species, are evolving into true human pathogens beyond their traditional clinical 
spectrum, causing serious human infections. These were once popular as animal pathogens and known to be part of 
the normal flora of skin and mucosa in humans. We report two cases, one of an infected pilonidal sinus in a young 
healthy male and another of right leg cellulitis in an elderly diabetic male, both caused by Gram-positive cocci. Former 
was identified as Streptococcus pluranimalium and the latter as Streptococcus dysgalactiae ssp equisimilis. Both were 
treated as per the antibiotic susceptibility report. These cases highlight the transforming epidemiology of Streptococcal 
infections, their potential for affecting unusual sites, ability to cause severe complications and the need for heightened 
microbiological and clinical vigilance. In addition, it emphasizes the importance of advanced diagnostic systems in 
detecting such unusual organisms