Cutibacterium avidum: A virulent pathogen in esthetic surgery infection, a case series

Abstract

Cutibacterium avidum is a member of the skin microbiota whose composition changes with age. Recently, it has been implicated in infections associated with implants and other medical devices, and it is now recognized as an etiological agent of surgical site infections. We present six cases of surgical site infections following aesthetic surgery: three cases linked to gluteal implants, one to gluteoplasty without implants, one to liposuction and one to abdominoplasty. Previously, C. avidum was considered a contaminant; however, recent findings indicate virulence factors and pathogenic behavior, so this microbe now is regarded as a potential causative agent of infection.