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Published on: December 18, 2010
A Rare Colonization in Peritoneum After Blunt Abdominal Trauma: S. putrefaciens and S. cerevisiae
Oana Bulat1, Cristian Bulat1, Mihaela Blaj2
1Department of Surgery, “Sf. Spiridon” Hospital, “Grigore T. Popa” University School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
Background:
Shewanella spp. are gram-negative bacteria, saprophytes, and rarely pathogenic. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the well-known yeast used for fermentation in industry and molecular biology for research. In humans, it is a very rare pathogen which colonizes the digestive tract, and its utility has been linked to the treatment and prevention of diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile.
Case Report:
A 27-year-old male, victim of aggressive, blunt trauma with a 4-day history of symptoms was admitted to our surgery unit. Abdominal sonography revealed peritoneal fluid in all spaces with fibrin. We performed laparotomy and observed perforations on the ileum and general peritonitis with pus. Following surgery, patient was admitted to the intensive care unit with septic shock. The antibiogram from the peritoneal liquid revealed S. putrefaciens and S. cerevisiae.
Conclusion:
Although very rare, S. putrefaciens and S. cerevisiae may colonize in the peritoneum after blunt abdominal trauma.
Insights
This case report highlights a rare instance of Shewanella putrefaciens and Saccharomyces cerevisiae causing peritonitis after blunt abdominal trauma. These microbes, typically non-pathogenic, can lead to severe infection in compromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Shewanella spp. are Gram-negative saprophytic bacteria, rarely pathogenic.
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a yeast utilized in industry and research, rarely pathogenic in humans.
- Both microbes can colonize the human digestive tract, with S. cerevisiae linked to preventing diarrhea.
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