Raoultella Ornithinolytica in a Healthy, Young Person: Rapidly Progressive Sinusitis with Orbital and Intracranial Involvement

Raoultella ornithinolytica is an encapsulated, Gram-negative, nonmotile, rod belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. Infections involving the gastrointestinal tract and the hepatopancreatobiliary system are most frequently reported, especially in immunocompromised patients. The authors present an unusual case of acute complicated sinusitis with orbital and intracranial involvement caused by R. ornithinolytica. The infection was rapidly progressive, even though the patient was a healthy, young person without any co-morbidities. The patient’s condition improved after antibiotic treatment and multiple ophthalmic and sinus surgeries. LEARNING POINTS: Raoultella ornithinolytica can cause rapidly progressive infections, even in immunocompetent young individuals. Raoultella ornithinolytica identified in sinusitis can be a true pathogen rather than an innocent bystander.