Uncommon Infection of an Epidermoid Cyst in the Face with Peptoniphilus harei - A Systematic Review of the Literature Regarding Treatment Strategy

Purpose: Infections with Peptoniphilus harei are rare and no consens about treatment exists. Based on a case report, we report on our approach and make a review of the literature. To our knowledge, we are the first to be confronted with an infected epidermoid cyst in the facial area due to Peptoniphilus harei in its pure form. Material and Methods: A smear test for microbiological examination and for culture determination was taken intraoperative. Peptoniphilus harei could be detected by using the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-off light mass spectrometry (MOLDI-TOF) method. A literature research showed only few documentations of an infection with this microorganism. Results: The post-operative course was uneventful. No antibiotics were needed. The microbiological examination detected Peptoniphilus harei as the only microorganism. Conclusion: The clinical impact of Peptinophilus harei is not clearly clarified due to poor data. Resistance cannot currently be considered as a problem. In our case report compared to the other case reports, no antibiotic therapy was initiated. For the detection of the causative microorganism, a microbiological sample is recommended.