UC San Diego

Introduction. Case reports have emerged with identification of Gordonia bronchialis infections including sternal wound infections and foreign bodies such as central lines and shunts. Case presentation. We present a case that demonstrates the need to consider Gordonia infection as a cause of sternal wound infection and highlights the utility of novel diagnostics to aid in the identification of unusual pathogens that can cause post-operative infections. We report here the first successful use of ceftaroline for treatment of a G. bronchialis sternal wound infection. Conclusion. There are only case reports and in vitro assays to date to guide treatment of this infection, and we now add ceftaroline as a new drug to consider, though adequate surgical debridement is paramount.