Introduction:

Arcanobacterium haemolyticum is an infrequent Gram-positive, catalase-negative bacillus, typically associated with pharyngitis and mild cutaneous infections. Systemic infections caused by this microorganism are uncommon, and hepatic abscess formation is particularly rare.

Case report:

We present the case of a 30-year-old man with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on antiretroviral therapy who presented with diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. During hospitalization, jaundice, hepatomegaly, and cholestasis were observed. Magnetic resonance cholangiography revealed hepatic abscesses and portal thrombophlebitis. Blood cultures were positive for A. haemolyticum, with no additional isolates. Given the inability to perform drainage, antibiotic therapy was administered for six weeks, resulting in an adequate clinical response and progressive resolution of the lesions.

Conclusions:

A. haemolyticum, typically considered a low-virulence pathogen, can cause severe invasive infections, including hepatic abscesses and pylephlebitis, and should be considered a potential etiologic agent in immunocompromised populations.

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