A rare culprit: Ralstonia pickettii in a deep neck space infection

Abstract

Ralstonia pickettii is a rare, emerging opportunistic pathogen that has been previously limited to nosocomial infections, often associated with contaminated sterile solutions. Here, we present the case of a neck abscess caused by R. pickettii, the first documented case of a deep neck space infection caused by this bacterium. The patient in this case had no risk factors for R. pickettii infection. By highlighting the atypical presentation and microbiology in this case, we aim to highlight the emergence of a wide spectrum of disease caused by R. pickettii.