Staphylococcus aureus as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and Tubo-Ovarian Abscess Pathogen

Abstract

Tubo-ovarian abscess is typically the end result of pelvic inflammatory disease. Although most are associated with recent or concomitant sexually transmitted infections, cases of non-sexual tubo-ovarian abscesses are documented. However, most cases occur with pathogens typically associated with lower genital tract infections, such as Escherichia coli . We present a unique case of a non-sexual tubo-ovarian abscess with an intrauterine device in utero caused by Staphylococcus aureus presenting as an acute surgical abdomen. Our case highlights that not all tubo-ovarian abscesses are linked to a sexually transmitted infection and may occur after potential introduction of bacteria into the upper genital tract resulting from intrauterine device placement.