[Agrobacterium tumefaciens (Radiobacter) as an infectious agent in an oncological patient]

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Oncology

Background:

• Multiple myeloma is a hematologic malignancy impacting the immune system.
• Implanted venous ports are common in cancer patients for treatment administration.
• Agrobacterium tumefaciens (radiobacter) is typically an opportunistic plant pathogen.

Observation:

• A 62-year-old patient with multiple myeloma presented with pyretic reactions.
• The patient had an implanted venous port that was found to be colonized by Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
• This represents a rare case of human infection by this bacterium.

Findings:

• Identification of Agrobacterium tumefaciens as the causal agent of pyretic reactions in the patient.
• Documentation of a venous port colonization by Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
• Literature review identified 36 previous cases in English literature, with this being a novel finding in Czech literature.

Implications:

• Potential for increased incidence of infections by previously non-pathogenic organisms in immunocompromised hosts.
• Highlights the need for vigilance regarding unusual pathogens in patients with indwelling devices.
• Suggests a broader spectrum of opportunistic infections in the context of modern medical interventions and immunosuppression.