title: Aerococcus viridansinfection presenting as cutaneous vasculitis in an immunocompetent patient.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Aerococcus viridansorganisms are Gram-positive cocci that are widely distributed in hospital environments and room air. These bacteria have infrequently been encountered as human pathogens causing bacteremia, endocarditis and urinary tract infections. The significance of these bacteria may be overlooked due to their fastidious growth, and they are often confused with other strains of streptococci or staphylococci.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a case ofAerococcus viridansmanifesting as cutaneous vasculitis in an immunocompetent patient. A 30-year-old female patient was admitted to hospital after two weeks history of fever, chills and papular rash over the limbs and trunk. The clinical diagnosis of vasculitis was made. Investigations revealed elevated leucocytosis (21.7 × 109/l) with 81% of neutrophils, and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate or 60 mm/h. Serum anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) were not found. Blood culture showed growth ofAerococcus viridans. Histopathological assessment of skin biopsy revealed cutaneous vasculitis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To date, no clinical case report of this kind has been reported implicatingAerococcus viridansin cutaneous vasculitis. Increased awareness and more studies of this genus should lead to the identification of its potential role in human infections.
authors.affiliation: Shere-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India.
authors.forename: Ashaq Hussain
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Parrey
authors.affiliation: Shere-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India.
authors.forename: Fayaz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sofi
authors.affiliation: Shere-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India.
authors.forename: Mushtaq
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.affiliation: Shere-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India.
authors.forename: Abid
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kuchay
keywords: Aerococcus viridans; cutaneous vasculitis