Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026
Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
Published on: June 28, 2018
A Fatal Case of Community Acquired Cupriavidus Pauculus Pneumonia
Emoke Almasy1, Janos Szederjesi1, Paul Rad1
1Discipline of Intensive Care, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Tîrgu Mureş, Tîrgu Mureş, Romania.
Introduction:
Cupriavidus pauculus is a rarely isolated non-fermentative, aerobic bacillus, which occasionally causes severe human infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Strains have been isolated from various clinical and environmental sources.
Case Presentation:
A 67-year-old man was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with acute respiratory failure. The patient was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, pulmonary sepsis and underwent invasive mechanical ventilation. Examination revealed diminished bilateral vesicular breath sounds, fever, intense yellow tracheal secretions, a respiratory rate of 24/minute, a heart rate of 123/minute, and blood pressure of 75/55 mmHg. Vasoactive treatment was initiated. Investigations revealed elevated lactate and C-reactive protein levels. A chest X-ray showed bilateral infiltration. Parenteral ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone were administered. Tracheal aspirate culture and blood culture showed bacterial growth of Cupriavidus pauculus. Colistin was added to the treatment. There was a poor clinical response despite repeated blood culture showing negative results. The diagnosis of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) caused by C. pauculus was made. The patient died eleven days after admission.
Conclusions:
Clinical improvement cannot always be expected in spite of targeted antibiotic therapy. This pathogen should be considered responsible for infections that usually develop in immunocompromised patients.
Insights
Cupriavidus pauculus can cause severe infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Despite targeted antibiotic therapy, this rare bacillus led to fatal multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in a critically ill patient.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Cupriavidus pauculus is a rare, non-fermentative, aerobic bacillus.
- It occasionally causes severe infections, especially in immunocompromised patients.
- Strains are found in diverse clinical and environmental settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of severe infection caused by Cupriavidus pauculus.
- To highlight the challenges in treating infections by this pathogen.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 67-year-old male with acute respiratory failure.
- Diagnosis included bilateral pneumonia, pulmonary sepsis, and mechanical ventilation.
- Treatment involved ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, and colistin.
Main Results:
- Tracheal aspirate and blood cultures identified Cupriavidus pauculus.
- The patient developed multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).
- Despite treatment, the patient died 11 days after admission.
Conclusions:
- Cupriavidus pauculus infections can be severe and life-threatening.
- Clinical improvement is not guaranteed even with appropriate antibiotic therapy.
- This pathogen should be considered in severe infections, particularly in immunocompromised hosts.
More Related Videos
09:17A Robust Pneumonia Model in Immunocompetent Rodents to Evaluate Antibacterial Efficacy against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii
Published on: January 2, 2017
09:49Experimental Model to Evaluate Resolution of Pneumonia
Published on: February 17, 2023
Related Concept Videos
00:30What are Populations and Communities?
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
01:30Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....