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Bacteremia caused by Eggerthella lenta in an elderly man with a gastrointestinal malignancy: A case report

Davie Wong1, Fred Aoki2, Ethan Rubinstein2

  • 1Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases & Medical Microbiology = Journal Canadien Des Maladies Infectieuses Et De La Microbiologie Medicale
|November 6, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Eggerthella lenta bacteremia is a serious infection linked to gastrointestinal issues and immune suppression. Successful treatment involved empirical and targeted antibiotics, emphasizing source identification.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Eggerthella lenta is an anaerobic, Gram-positive bacillus residing in the human gut.
  • While typically commensal, E. lenta can precipitate severe, life-threatening infections.
  • Bacteremia caused by E. lenta is clinically significant, often correlating with gastrointestinal pathologies and immunosuppression.

Observation:

  • A case study involving an elderly male patient with newly diagnosed gastrointestinal malignancy.
  • The patient developed bacteremia attributed to E. lenta.
  • Initial empirical treatment comprised vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam.

Findings:

  • The patient's E. lenta bacteremia was successfully treated.
  • Directed therapy with metronidazole was administered post-identification and susceptibility testing.
  • The case underscores the association between E. lenta bacteremia and gastrointestinal malignancy.

Implications:

  • Highlights the critical importance of investigating the source of E. lenta bacteremia.
  • Reinforces the link between E. lenta bacteremia and underlying gastrointestinal malignancy.
  • Informs clinical management strategies for E. lenta infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients or those with GI disease.
Keywords:
BacteremiaEggerthella lentaGastrointestinalImmunocompromisedMalignancy

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