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A Human Fallopian Tube Model for Investigation of C. trachomatis Infections
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Pyosalpinx: not always a sexual transmitted disease? Pyosalpinx caused by Plesiomonas shigelloides in an

T Roth1, C Hentsch, P Erard

  • 1Department of Surgery, City Hospital, Neuchâtel, Switzerland Department of Medicine, City Hospital, Neuchâtel, Switzerland. thierry.roth@insel.ch

Clinical Microbiology and Infection : the Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|January 10, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Plesiomonas shigelloides bacteria, commonly found in water, can cause serious infections. This case highlights a rare pyosalpinx infection acquired through swimming, successfully treated with salpingectomy.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gynecology

Background:

  • Plesiomonas shigelloides are Gram-negative bacteria prevalent in freshwater and marine environments, especially in warm climates.
  • Recently implicated in diarrheal disease, often linked to travel or seafood consumption.
  • Extraintestinal infections are rare, typically occurring in vulnerable populations like neonates or immunocompromised individuals, and often have a poor prognosis.

Observation:

  • A case of right pyosalpinx (pus in the fallopian tube) is presented.
  • The infection was caused by Plesiomonas shigelloides.
  • The patient acquired the infection by swimming in contaminated water.

Findings:

  • Plesiomonas shigelloides can cause rare but severe extraintestinal infections, such as pyosalpinx.
  • Surgical intervention, specifically laparoscopic salpingectomy, was effective in treating the condition.
  • The patient experienced a favorable outcome following the procedure.

Implications:

  • This case expands the understanding of Plesiomonas shigelloides pathogenesis, particularly its potential to cause gynecological infections.
  • Highlights the risk of extraintestinal infections from environmental exposure to this bacterium.
  • Emphasizes the importance of considering Plesiomonas shigelloides in the differential diagnosis of severe infections, even in non-traditional exposure scenarios.

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