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Updated: May 20, 2026
06:56
A Delayed Inoculation Model of Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Wound Infection
Published on: February 20, 2020
Spacecraft bacterium, Paenibacillus pasadenensis, causing wound infection in humans
Y Flammer Anikpeh1, P Keller, G V Bloemberg
1Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. yvonne.fl ammer@usz.ch
BMJ Case Reports
|July 18, 2012
Summary
A rare bacterial infection caused by Paenibacillus pasadenensis was identified in a patient with mediastinitis after cardiac surgery. This marks the first reported human infection with this bacterium, successfully treated with antibiotics and surgery.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Paenibacilli are gram-positive, aerobic bacteria, historically not recognized as human pathogens.
- Limited reports exist of human infections caused by Paenibacillus alvei, a related species.
- Mediastinitis is a serious complication following cardiac surgery.
Observation:
- Paenibacillus pasadenensis was identified in the sternal wound of a patient with post-cardiac surgery mediastinitis.
- The bacterium was detected using broad-range bacterial 16S rRNA PCR, a molecular diagnostic technique.
- This represents the first documented case of human infection by Paenibacillus pasadenensis.
Findings:
- The patient's infection was successfully treated with a combination of surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy.
- Initial antibiotic treatment included vancomycin and ciprofloxacin.
- Subsequent treatment involved clindamycin and ciprofloxacin, leading to complete recovery.
Implications:
- Highlights the emerging role of Paenibacilli, including P. pasadenensis, as potential human pathogens.
- Emphasizes the utility of broad-range bacterial 16S rRNA PCR in identifying novel or rare bacterial infections.
- Demonstrates effective treatment strategies for mediastinitis caused by previously unrecognized bacteria.
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