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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
PubMed

Insights

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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