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Bacteremia and subcutaneous abscess caused by Proteus penneri in a neutropenic host
H D Engler1, K Troy, E J Bottone
1Clinical Microbiology Laboratories, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|July 1, 1990
Abstract:
Proteus penneri bacteremia and concomitant subcutaneous infection developed in a neutropenic patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia. The skin infection occurred while the patient was being treated empirically with cefoperazone and metronidazole. This case demonstrates the invasive potential of this microorganism in the proper setting.
Insights
Proteus penneri bacteremia can occur with skin infections in immunocompromised patients. This case highlights the invasive potential of this bacterium, even during antibiotic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Neutropenic patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) are susceptible to infections.
- Empirical antibiotic therapy is standard for febrile neutropenia.
- Proteus species are Gram-negative bacteria that can cause opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- A neutropenic patient with ALL developed Proteus penneri bacteremia.
- The patient also had a concomitant subcutaneous infection.
- The infection occurred despite empirical treatment with cefoperazone and metronidazole.
Findings:
- Proteus penneri demonstrated invasive potential in this neutropenic host.
- The case illustrates a treatment failure scenario for empirical antibiotics against this pathogen.
- Bacteremia and deep-seated infection highlight the virulence of Proteus penneri.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering Proteus species in infections of neutropenic patients.
- It suggests that current empirical antibiotic regimens may not always be sufficient.
- Further research into optimal treatment strategies for Proteus infections in immunocompromised individuals is warranted.