Neisseria cinerea in a Post-splenectomy Patient: A Rare Potentially Fatal Bacteremia

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Neisseria cinerea is a common human respiratory commensal.
• Bacteremia caused by N. cinerea is exceptionally rare, with few reported cases.
• Splenectomy increases susceptibility to encapsulated bacterial infections.

Observation:

• A 78-year-old male, post-splenectomy, presented with symptoms of severe sepsis, including fever, cough, and dyspnea.
• Initial management involved fluid resuscitation, vasopressors, and broad-spectrum antibiotics for septic shock.
• Blood cultures ultimately identified Neisseria cinerea, a gram-negative coccobacillus.

Findings:

• This represents the first reported case of Neisseria cinerea bacteremia in a post-splenectomy patient.
• The patient received successful treatment with intravenous ceftriaxone.
• This is the ninth overall reported case of Neisseria cinerea bacteremia.

Implications:

• Physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for Neisseria cinerea bacteremia in asplenic patients presenting with sepsis.
• This case underscores the potential for commensal organisms to cause severe infections in immunocompromised individuals.
• Early recognition and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes in rare bacteremic events.