First case of human infection due to Pseudomonas fulva, an environmental bacterium isolated from cerebrospinal fluid

Marisa N Almuzara1, Miryam Vazquez, Naoto Tanaka

  • 1Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina. marisanalmuzara@yahoo.com.ar

Insights

This study documents the first human infection caused by Pseudomonas fulva, leading to meningitis in a child. The bacteria also showed resistance to carbapenems due to VIM-2 carbapenemase.

Area of Science:

  • Medical microbiology
  • Infectious diseases
  • Clinical case study

Background:

  • Pseudomonas fulva is a rare bacterial species.
  • Meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Observation:

  • A 2-year-old female developed acute meningitis.
  • The infection occurred after the placement of a drainage system.

Findings:

  • The causative agent was identified as Pseudomonas fulva, marking the first reported human infection.
  • The P. fulva isolate harbored a VIM-2 carbapenemase within a class 1 integron, indicating antimicrobial resistance.

Implications:

  • Highlights P. fulva as a potential human pathogen.
  • Underscores the need for vigilance regarding carbapenem resistance in unusual bacterial infections.

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