A Rare Case of Breast Abscess Caused by Facklamia hominis Following COVID-19 Infection.

PURPOSE: Facklamia hominis is an infrequent opportunistic pathogen. This case report describes a ​young immunocompetent female who developed ​recurrent abscesses after a COVID-19 infection, highlighting the potential link between post-COVID-19 immune dysfunction and opportunistic infections.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the patient's clinical course, relevant laboratory tests, treatment, and post-treatment outcomes was conducted.

RESULTS

A young female patient with a history of COVID-19 infection developed recurrent abscesses (perineal and breast) 40 days apart, which were managed with antibiotics, local incision and drainage, and traditional Chinese medicine (Xihuang pills, made up with Bezoar, Musk, Frankincense, and Myrrh). Laboratory tests revealed prealbumin deficiency (143 mg/L), a marker associated with poor prognosis in post-COVID-19 patients. Bacterial culture from the breast abscess confirmed Facklamia hominis infection, identified via VITEK 2 Compact system. The patient completed a two-week regimen of antibiotics combined with traditional Chinese medicine therapy, achieving complete resolution without recurrence during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

There is an emerging association between COVID-19 infection and subsequent Facklamia hominis infection, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Post-COVID-19 lymphopenia and prealbumin deficiency may predispose patients to opportunistic infections.

KEYWORDS: COVID-19, Multiple abscesses, breast abscess, Facklamia homini, prealbumin.