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Bacteremia caused by a Helicobacter pullorum-like organism.
W Tee1, J Montgomery, M Dyall-Smith
1Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, North Melbourne, Australia.
Summary
This study details the first reported case of bacteremia caused by a Helicobacter pullorum-like organism. The identification was confirmed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in a patient with fever of unknown origin.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genomics
Background:
- Pyrexia of unknown origin (FUO) presents a diagnostic challenge.
- Bacteremia requires accurate identification of causative agents for effective treatment.
- Helicobacter species are known human and animal pathogens.
Observation:
- A motile, spiral-shaped Gram-negative rod was isolated from blood cultures.
- The patient presented with pyrexia of unknown origin.
Findings:
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified the isolate as a Helicobacter pullorum-like organism.
- The organism showed significant genetic divergence from Helicobacter canadensis.
- This represents the first documented case of bacteremia attributed to this specific Helicobacter-like species.
Implications:
- Expands the known spectrum of human pathogens within the Helicobacter genus.
- Highlights the importance of advanced molecular techniques for identifying novel or unclassified bacteria.
- Suggests potential for Helicobacter pullorum-like organisms to cause systemic infections in humans.