Chronic polymicrobial bacteremia

A 13-year-old girl had chronic polymicrobial bacteremia with Enterobacter hafnia and Enterobacter agglomerans in the absence of any demonstrable underlying illness, use of immunosuppressive drugs, or discovery of portal of entry of the bacteria. She was treated successfully with a prolonged course of carbenicillin and aminoglycoside antibiotics which were tolerated well. The only side effect of the therapy was a transient episode of vestibular dysfunction which was reversible following cessation of gentamicin. The principles of management of polymicrobial bacteremia are presented.