Turicella otitidis hypoglossal nerve stimulator device associated infection

Abstract

71-year-old male with history of obstructive sleep apnea presented with persistent drainage from the surgical incision site over the recently implanted hypoglossal nerve stimulator. Wound cultures from device pocket identified the pathogen as Turicella otitidis. Clinical course included treatment with broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and device explantation. This case is the first known T. otitidis device associated infection.

Keywords

• Turicella otitidis
• T. otitidis
• Device infection
• Hypoglossal nerve stimulator
• Explantation