Myroides odoratum Cellulitis and Bacteremia

Several Flavobacterium species, comprising a heterogeneous group of Gram-negative bacilli, have been reclassified as Myroides species. Myroides odoratum, one of the species, has been reported to cause opportunistic infections. However, its pathogenicity is ill-defined, and data are still emerging. Although infections caused by this bacillus are rare, it is notoriously resistant to multiple antibiotics. We report a case of cellulitis by Myroides odoratum that progressed to septic shock because organism was not suspected initially. After identification of the organism, it responded to administration of susceptible antibiotics. We also reviewed medical literature on this organism.