Three cases of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum associated with abscess formation and cellulitis.

Arcanobacterium haemolyticum has been described as an unusual pathogen causing pharyngotonsillitis and systemic disease in patients with predisposing conditions. A case of soft tissue abscess with no apparent portal of entry is reported in a healthy 31-year-old man who presented with a breast tumor. A second case of abscess formation in a 50-year-old patient with complicated wound healing is presented. In addition, a case of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum cellulitis in a 25-year-old female is reported. Due to its innocuous, coryneform appearance, this pathogen is probably underreported; therefore, the diagnostic evaluation of this organism is emphasized.