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Acute pyelonephritis due to a Kluyvera species in a child
S Dollberg1, A Gandacu, A Klar
1Department of Pediatrics, Bikur Cholim General Hospital, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
Abstract:
A Kluyvera sp. was recovered from the urine of a previously healthy 5-year-old child with clinical and laboratory evidence of acute pyelonephritis. This pathogen is usually a saprophyte and even when recovered in humans it is ordinarily considered an opportunistic pathogen. Only two other cases of Kluyvera infection have been described in immunocompetent individuals. The case presented further supports the finding that this bacterium can cause severe disease even in previously healthy, immunocompetent children.
Insights
Kluyvera sp. bacteria, typically a saprophyte, caused severe acute pyelonephritis in a healthy child. This case highlights the potential for this opportunistic pathogen to cause serious infections in immunocompetent individuals.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Kluyvera sp. is generally considered a saprophyte or opportunistic pathogen.
- Infections in immunocompetent individuals are rare, with only two prior cases documented.
Observation:
- A previously healthy 5-year-old child presented with acute pyelonephritis.
- Kluyvera sp. was identified as the causative agent in the child's urine sample.
Findings:
- This case demonstrates Kluyvera sp. causing severe urinary tract infection (acute pyelonephritis) in an immunocompetent child.
- The findings challenge the perception of Kluyvera sp. as solely an opportunistic pathogen.
Implications:
- Further research is needed to understand the pathogenic potential of Kluyvera sp. in healthy populations.
- Clinicians should consider Kluyvera sp. in the differential diagnosis of severe infections in immunocompetent children.