Shewanella dysentery in a patient with underlying malignancy.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Case Reports

Background:

• Shewanella spp. are ubiquitous, facultatively anaerobic, Gram-negative bacteria found in marine and soil environments.
• While typically environmental organisms, Shewanella spp. are rare human pathogens, with infections often linked to severe comorbidities.
• Shewanella putrefaciens is a species within this genus known for its potential, though infrequent, pathogenic role.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of dysentery caused by Shewanella putrefaciens.
• To emphasize the association between Shewanella infections and underlying severe morbidities.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenge and importance of identifying underlying conditions, such as malignancy, in patients with rare infections.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 69-year-old female patient.
• Clinical diagnosis of dysentery.
• Identification of Shewanella putrefaciens as the causative agent.
• Diagnostic workup for underlying conditions.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with symptoms of dysentery.
• Shewanella putrefaciens was identified as the infectious agent.
• The patient was subsequently diagnosed with an underlying malignancy.
• The infection was successfully treated, and management focused on the underlying malignancy.

Conclusions:

• Shewanella putrefaciens can cause significant gastrointestinal infections like dysentery.
• Infections with Shewanella spp. warrant thorough investigation for underlying severe health conditions, including malignancy.
• Early diagnosis and management of both the infection and the underlying comorbidity are crucial for patient outcomes.