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Peritonitis due to Kluyvera ascorbata: case report and review
1Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois.
Abstract:
Kluyvera, a new genus in the family Enterobacteriaceae, was formerly known as enteric group 8 and as API group 1. Although Kluyvera species have been isolated from various clinical specimens such as sputum, urine, stool, and blood, the clinical significance of these isolates has not been established. Recently, we treated a child who developed peritonitis due to Kluyvera ascorbata. The repeated isolation of the organism in pure culture from the peritoneal fluid and its isolation from postmortem subdiaphragmatic microabscesses suggest that Kluyvera can be clinically significant. Review of the literature clearly indicates that Kluyvera strains are infrequent but potentially dangerous pathogens in humans. Further experience is needed to determine the therapeutic efficacy of the various antibiotics to which these bacteria are sensitive in vitro.
Insights
Kluyvera ascorbata, a bacterium previously of unknown clinical significance, can be a dangerous pathogen. This study highlights its potential to cause severe infections like peritonitis, even in otherwise healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Kluyvera, a genus within the Enterobacteriaceae family, was previously classified as enteric group 8 or API group 1.
- While Kluyvera species have been identified in various clinical samples (sputum, urine, stool, blood), their clinical importance remains largely unestablished.
Observation:
- A case study involving a child who developed peritonitis caused by Kluyvera ascorbata.
- The organism was repeatedly isolated in pure culture from peritoneal fluid and found in postmortem subdiaphragmatic microabscesses.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation and isolation of Kluyvera ascorbata suggest it can be a clinically significant pathogen.
- A literature review confirms that Kluyvera strains, though infrequent, pose a potential danger to human health.
Implications:
- These findings indicate that Kluyvera species should be recognized as potentially dangerous pathogens.
- Further research is necessary to establish effective therapeutic strategies and determine the in vitro antibiotic sensitivities for treating Kluyvera infections.