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A Delayed Inoculation Model of Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Wound Infection
06:56

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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
PubMed

Insights

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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