[A Case of Bacteremia Caused by Ochrobacterium intermedium]

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Ochrobactrum intermedium (O. intermedium) is an uncommon cause of bacteremia.
• This bacterium is increasingly recognized as an emerging pathogen in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals.
• Accurate identification of Ochrobactrum species can be challenging with conventional biochemical methods.

Observation:

• An 86-year-old male patient presented with right-sided paralysis and dysphagia, diagnosed as pontine infarction.
• The patient developed fever and signs of localized infection at the peripheral venous catheter site.
• Blood cultures revealed gram-negative bacilli, initially suspected as aspiration pneumonia.

Findings:

• Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) accurately identified the causative agent as Ochrobactrum intermedium.
• The patient received appropriate antimicrobial chemotherapy, initially sulbactam/ampicillin, then meropenem.
• The patient recovered fully within seven days without relapse.

Implications:

• MALDI-TOF MS is a valuable tool for the rapid and accurate identification of emerging pathogens like O. intermedium.
• Early and precise microbial identification is crucial for effective treatment of rare bacteremias.
• This case underscores the importance of considering less common pathogens in clinical settings, especially with advanced diagnostic technologies.