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Streptococcus pasteurianus septicemia
D Alex1, D F Garvin, S M Peters
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Georgetown University Hospital/MedStar Health, Washington, USA.
Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology
|July 26, 2013
Summary
Streptococcus pasteurianus, a common gut bacterium, was identified as the cause of death in a patient with multiple health complications. This case highlights a rare instance of this bacterium causing severe septicemia and fatality.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathogen Discovery
Background:
- Streptococcus pasteurianus is a commensal bacterium residing in the human intestine.
- While typically benign, it has been isolated from various infection sites.
- Fulminant septicemia and death caused by S. pasteurianus have not been previously documented.
Observation:
- The study details post-mortem findings in a unique patient case.
- The patient was splenectomized, a hemophiliac, and had cirrhosis.
- The patient also had concurrent infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Findings:
- Streptococcus pasteurianus was identified as the causative agent of fulminant septicemia.
- The bacterium led to the patient's death, a previously unreported outcome.
- The complex medical history of the patient likely contributed to the severity of the infection.
Implications:
- This case expands the known pathogenic potential of Streptococcus pasteurianus.
- It underscores the importance of considering S. pasteurianus in severe sepsis, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Further research is needed to understand the virulence factors and risk factors associated with severe S. pasteurianus infections.
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