APPENDICULAR PERFORATION DUE TO STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE IN AN ELDERLY MALE: A RARE CASE REPORT FROM NORTH INDIA

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an uncommon cause of appendicitis. We have reported an unusual monomicrobial infective cause (S. pneumoniae) of appendicular perforation in an elderly male. In this rare case from North India, appendicitis was caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, leading to Appendicular perforation in a 63 year old elderly male who was alcoholic, hypertensive and had coronary artery disease. The isolated Pneumococcal strain was sensitive to all the tested antibiotics and the identification was confirmed by Vitek 2 compact. But the patient expired inspite of antibiotic administration andappendectomy.Appendicitis due to monomicrobial infection is uncommon.Also appendicitis due to S.pneumoniae is extremely uncommon. Our case emphasizes that S. pneumoniae can cause appendicitis leading to appendicular perforation. It may become fatal, if not treated immediately especially in case of extremes of age and associated risk factors. Streptococcus pneumoniae should be considered as a possible cause by surgeons treating abdominal infections. Further studies are needed to establish a proper risk factor for Appendicitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.