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Agrobacterium radiobacter as a cause of pseudobacteremia
A M Rogues1, J Sarlangue, B de Barbeyrac
1Service d'Hygiène Hospitalière, Hôpital Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France.
Abstract:
Agrobacterium radiobacter was isolated from 15 blood cultures collected from 15 newborns. Contamination of blood cultures was suspected because, in most cases, the babies' illnesses seemed incompatible with infection. A radiobacter was isolated from citrated tubes used for clotting-factor studies. Review of venipuncture technique revealed that occasionally the coagulation study tubes were being inoculated before the blood-culture bottles. This investigation demonstrated how an environmental source coupled with faulty technique caused a cluster of false-positive blood cultures.
Insights
False-positive blood cultures in newborns were caused by Agrobacterium radiobacter contamination. This contamination resulted from improper venipuncture technique, where blood for clotting studies was drawn before blood for blood cultures.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Agrobacterium radiobacter is an environmental bacterium.
- Blood cultures are critical for diagnosing neonatal infections.
- False-positive results can lead to unnecessary treatments and anxiety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of a cluster of false-positive blood cultures in newborns.
- To identify the source and mechanism of Agrobacterium radiobacter contamination.
- To prevent future occurrences of false-positive blood cultures.
Main Methods:
- Review of blood culture results from 15 newborns.
- Microbiological analysis of blood and clotting study samples.
- Evaluation of venipuncture techniques and laboratory procedures.
Main Results:
- Agrobrobacter radiobacter was isolated from 15 neonatal blood cultures.
- The bacterium was also found in tubes for clotting-factor studies.
- A faulty venipuncture technique, drawing clotting tubes before blood culture bottles, was identified as the cause.
Conclusions:
- Improper venipuncture technique can lead to false-positive blood cultures.
- Environmental contamination with Agrobacterium radiobacter, combined with procedural errors, caused this cluster of false results.
- Adherence to strict venipuncture protocols is essential to ensure accurate blood culture diagnostics in neonates.