Secondary Deinococcus proteolyticus Infection Following Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection in a Child: A Case Report Describing a Rare Medical Condition

Deinococcus proteolyticus belongs to Deinococcaceae, a family of bacteria characterized by an exceptional ability to withstand the lethal effects of DNA-damaging agents, including ionizing radiation, ultraviolet (UV) light, and desiccation. It was isolated from the Sahara surface sands, an extreme and nutrient-poor environment, regularly exposed to intense UV radiation, cycles of extreme temperatures, and desiccation. D. proteolyticus infection has seldom been implicated in human infections. The child presented with multiple necrotic skin lesions following a varicella infection, later complicated by D. proteolyticus bacteremia. The patient responded well to targeted antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement, achieving complete recovery. The literature on D. proteolyticus as a human pathogen is limited, and this case underscores its potential clinical significance. Although its occurrence is extremely rare, clinicians should recognize it as a possible opportunistic pathogen in severe cutaneous infections to ensure timely and appropriate management.