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Symbiotic bacteria induced necrotizing pancreatitis
Rajanshu Verma1, Radhika Dhamija, Stephen C Ross
1Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan State University/KCMS, Kalamazoo, MI, USA. rverma@kcms.msu.edu
JOP : Journal of the Pancreas
|September 7, 2010
Summary
Commensal gut bacteria, Bifidobacterium and Veillonella, can rarely cause severe necrotizing pancreatitis. This case highlights the potential for these normally harmless anaerobes to become pathogenic, leading to serious complications.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Intestinal flora and anaerobes are common causes of infectious necrotizing pancreatitis.
- Bifidobacterium and Veillonella are commensal anaerobes residing in the GI tract, aiding bile acid deconjugation.
- Bifidobacterium is also a common probiotic ingredient.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old male patient presented with gallstone pancreatitis.
- The patient subsequently developed necrotizing pancreatitis and pseudocyst formation.
- The pancreatitis was induced by Bifidobacterium and Veillonella species.
Findings:
- Bifidobacterium and Veillonella, typically commensal gut flora, were isolated as causative agents.
- This case demonstrates a rare instance of these anaerobes inducing severe pancreatitis.
- The patient developed significant complications including pseudocyst formation.
Implications:
- Commensal gut bacteria can, under specific conditions, act as pathogens.
- Infections by normally harmless anaerobes can lead to life-threatening morbidity and mortality.
- Further research into the pathogenic potential of commensal gut microbiota is warranted.
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