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Published on: February 6, 2018
Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides blood stream infection following liver transplantation
Sunil S Tholpady1, Costi D Sifri, Robert G Sawyer
1Department of Surgery, University of Virginia Health Services Charlottesville, VA 22908, U.S.A.
Background:
Leuconostoc spp. are vancomycin resistant Gram positive lactobacilli. Little is known about their significance in transplant recipients.
Case Report:
A 64-year-old female liver transplant recipient developed Leuconostoc sepsis originating from a bile leak after extended exposure to vancomycin. The infection was readily controlled clindamycin, however, the patient died later on unrelated to the infection. Five articles on Leuconostoc infections in transplant patients were found in PubMed including two liver recipients with intraabdominal infection due to biliary complications and four stem cell recipients with sepsis.
Conclusions:
Leuconostoc spp. should be considered pathogens in transplant recipients who are exposed to vancomycin.
Insights
Leuconostoc species, vancomycin-resistant bacteria, can cause sepsis in transplant recipients. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for managing these infections in immunocompromised patients.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Transplant Medicine
Background:
- Leuconostoc species are vancomycin-resistant Gram-positive lactobacilli.
- Their role in transplant recipients is not well-defined.
- Vancomycin resistance is a growing concern in healthcare settings.
Observation:
- A liver transplant recipient developed Leuconostoc sepsis secondary to a bile leak.
- The patient had prolonged vancomycin exposure prior to infection.
- The infection was successfully treated with clindamycin.
Findings:
- A literature review identified five articles on Leuconostoc infections in transplant patients.
- Included were two liver transplant recipients with intra-abdominal infections from biliary complications.
- Four stem cell recipients with sepsis were also reported.
Implications:
- Leuconostoc species should be recognized as potential pathogens in transplant recipients.
- Clinicians should consider Leuconostoc in vancomycin-exposed transplant patients with sepsis.
- Further research is needed to understand the full spectrum of Leuconostoc infections in immunocompromised hosts.
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