Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026
Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
Published on: December 10, 2016
Non-lethal Clostridium sordellii bacteraemia in an immunocompromised patient with pleomorphic sarcoma
Alex K Bonnecaze1, Sarah Ellen Elza Stephens2, Peter John Miller3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
Abstract:
Clostridium sordellii is a spore-forming anaerobic Gram-positive rod that has rarely been reported to cause disease in humans. Resultant mortality from infection is estimated at nearly 70% and is most often correlated with gynaecological procedures, intravenous drug abuse or trauma. C. sordellii infection often presents similarly to toxic shock syndrome (TSS); notable features of infection include refractory hypotension, haemoconcentration and marked leucocytosis. Although clinically similar to TSS, a notable difference is C. sordellii infections rarely involve fever. The organism's major toxins include haemorrhagic (TcsH) and lethal factor (TcsL), which function to disrupt cytoskeletal integrity. Current literature suggests treating C. sordelli infection with a broad-spectrum penicillin, metronidazole and clindamycin. We present a case of C. sordellii bacteraemia and septic shock in an immunocompromised patient who was recently diagnosed with pleomorphic gluteal sarcoma. Despite presenting in critical condition, the patient improved after aggressive hemodynamic resuscitation, source control and intravenous antibiotic therapy.
Insights
Clostridium sordellii infections are rare but deadly, often mimicking toxic shock syndrome. Early treatment with antibiotics and supportive care can improve outcomes in critically ill patients.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Toxicology
Background:
- Clostridium sordellii is a rare cause of human infection, associated with high mortality rates.
- Infections are often linked to gynecological procedures, intravenous drug use, or trauma.
- The bacterium produces toxins like TcsH and TcsL that disrupt cellular integrity.
Observation:
- C. sordellii infections present similarly to toxic shock syndrome (TSS), characterized by hypotension, hemoconcentration, and leukocytosis.
- A key differentiator from TSS is the infrequent presence of fever in C. sordellii infections.
- We report a case of C. sordellii bacteremia and septic shock in an immunocompromised patient with sarcoma.
Findings:
- The patient presented with critical illness due to C. sordellii infection.
- Aggressive hemodynamic resuscitation, source control, and intravenous antibiotics were administered.
- The patient demonstrated clinical improvement following treatment.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering C. sordellii in severe infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Prompt and aggressive management, including antibiotics and supportive care, is crucial for patient survival.
- Further research into C. sordellii pathogenesis and optimal treatment strategies is warranted.
