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Clostridium ventriculi Infection in a Child with Phenylketonuria

Consolato Sergi1, Jennifer Lam2, Rabin Persad3

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada sergi@ualberta.ca.

Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science
|March 13, 2020
PubMed

Insights

A rare bacterial infection, Clostridium ventriculi, was identified in a child with phenylketonuria (PKU) during a feeding tube removal. This highlights infection risks in disabled children.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Disabled individuals face increased risks for various infections.
  • Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare genetic disorder requiring specialized dietary management.
  • Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes are used for nutritional support in certain pediatric cases.

Observation:

  • A 13-year-old female with PKU, previously treated with a PEG tube, presented for fistula closure.
  • Histological examination of the fistula tract revealed inflammation and gram-positive bacteria.
  • The bacteria exhibited a characteristic tetrad packet arrangement, identified as Clostridium ventriculi (formerly Sarcina ventriculi).

Findings:

  • This case represents the 11th reported instance of Clostridium ventriculi infection in the literature.
  • This is the first documented case of Clostridium ventriculi infection in a patient with phenylketonuria.
  • The infection was associated with a gastrocutaneous fistula tract after PEG tube removal.

Implications:

  • Clostridium ventriculi infections are rare, particularly in pediatric populations.
  • Physically and mentally disabled children are more susceptible to infections due to unique care needs.
  • Early identification and understanding of rare infections are crucial for managing vulnerable patient groups.

Keywords:
ClostridiumGastritisPhenylketonuriaSarcinagastrocutaneous fistula

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