Polymicrobial ventriculitis involving Pseudomonas fulva

Paulina A Rebolledo1, Catphuong Cathy L Vu2, Renee Donahue Carlson3

  • 1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Insights

Pseudomonas fulva infections are an emerging concern. This case highlights successful treatment of ventriculitis caused by this rare pathogen with levofloxacin after initial misidentification.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology

Background:

  • Pseudomonas fulva is an emerging opportunistic pathogen.
  • Ventriculitis is a serious central nervous system infection.

Observation:

  • A case of ventriculitis occurred after external ventricular drain placement.
  • The infection involved both Enterobacter cloacae and Pseudomonas fulva.

Findings:

  • Pseudomonas fulva was initially misidentified as Pseudomonas putida, a common issue.
  • Levofloxacin effectively treated the ventriculitis caused by Pseudomonas fulva.

Implications:

  • Accurate identification of Pseudomonas fulva is crucial for appropriate treatment.
  • Levofloxacin is a potential therapeutic option for Pseudomonas fulva infections.
  • Vigilance is needed for emerging pathogens in neurosurgical infections.

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