Group B Streptococcal Renal Abscess in a 17-Year-OldGirl with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus agalactiae or group B streptococcus (GBS) is associated with infectionsin neonates and pregnant women. Herein, we describe a rare case of GBSrenal abscess with peritonitis and pleural effusion in a 17-year-old girl with type 1diabetes mellitus. The girl was admitted due to fever and right flank pain. Laboratoryfindings included leukocytosis and increased C-reactive protein level anderythrocyte sedimentation rate. Her serum glucose level was 484 mg/dL. Urinalysisshowed no pyuria. Renal sonography revealed parenchymal swelling in the rightkidney. The patient was administered intravenous cefotaxime. Urine and bloodcultures were negative. Fever seemed to improve, but the following day, she complainedof abdominal pain and fever. Antibiotic was switched to imipenem, andabdominal and pelvic CT revealed a ruptured right renal abscess, peritonitis, andbilateral pleural effusion with atelectasis. Pigtail catheter drainage of the abscesswas performed. Culture from the abscess was positive for GBS, and fever subsided2 days after the drainage. She was discharged with oral cefixime. The clinical courseof urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be atypical in patients with diabetes, and GBScan be a cause of UTIs. Prompt diagnosis and management are necessary to preventcomplications in patients showing atypical courses.