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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
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Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
Published on: June 28, 2018
Ventilator-associated pneumonia due to Shewanella putrefaciens
Calvin Tucker1, Genelyn Baroso, Paul Tan
1Department of Pharmacy, Shands Medical Center, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA. pharmdcet@gmail.com
Summary
This case study details the first reported U.S. instance of ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by Shewanella putrefaciens. Prompt treatment with cefepime successfully resolved the infection in a critically ill patient.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a significant concern in intensive care units.
- Shewanella putrefaciens is an opportunistic pathogen rarely implicated in VAP.
- This report describes a unique case of VAP caused by S. putrefaciens in the United States.
Observation:
- A 39-year-old male with severe head trauma developed VAP after a watercraft accident.
- Initial treatment targeted Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Subsequent bronchoalveolar lavage revealed Shewanella putrefaciens as the causative agent.
Findings:
- Shewanella putrefaciens demonstrated resistance to ampicillin-sulbactam.
- The pathogen was sensitive to cefepime, piperacillin-tazobactam, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and meropenem.
- Empirical treatment with cefepime led to the resolution of S. putrefaciens pneumonia.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for Shewanella putrefaciens to cause severe VAP.
- Emphasizes the importance of accurate microbial identification and susceptibility testing in VAP management.
- Suggests cefepime as a potential treatment option for S. putrefaciens VAP.
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