Pandoraea bacteremia in a cystic fibrosis patient with associated systemic illness

Lindsey N Johnson1, Jin-Young Han, Samuel M Moskowitz

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.

Insights

Pandoraea bacteria, often found in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, can cause bloodstream infections (bacteremia) and illness. This case suggests Pandoraea may be a significant pathogen in immunocompromised individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Pandoraea is a recently identified bacterial genus.
  • This genus is frequently isolated from the sputum of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.
  • The pathogenic potential of Pandoraea remains largely unknown.

Observation:

  • A case of Pandoraea bacteremia is described in a 16-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis.
  • The patient presented with associated clinical disease.

Findings:

  • This case demonstrates Pandoraea bacteremia in a cystic fibrosis patient.
  • The infection was linked to the development of clinical illness.

Implications:

  • Pandoraea should be recognized as a potential pathogen in susceptible individuals, particularly those with cystic fibrosis.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenicity and clinical significance of Pandoraea infections.

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