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Updated: Dec 14, 2025

Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
Published on: June 28, 2018
A Rare Case of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Caused by Cupriavidus Pauculus
Syed A Huda1, Sanjay Yadava1, Sara Kahlown2
1Internal Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, USA.
Abstract:
Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a hospital-acquired infection that is commonly encountered in intubated patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The causative organisms include gram-negative rods (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Acinetobacter species) or gram-positive cocci (Staphylococcus aureus). Described here is a case of ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by a relatively unknown gram-negative bacterium, Cupriavidus (C.) pauculus that was successfully treated with intravenous cefepime.
Insights
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a serious hospital infection. This case highlights successful treatment of VAP caused by Cupriavidus pauculus, an uncommon bacterium, using cefepime.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common intensive care unit (ICU) infection.
- It leads to increased patient morbidity and mortality.
- Typical causes include common gram-negative rods and gram-positive cocci.
Observation:
- A case of VAP caused by Cupriavidus (C.) pauculus is presented.
- C. pauculus is a less commonly identified bacterium in VAP cases.
- The patient was intubated and in the ICU.
Findings:
- Successful treatment of VAP caused by C. pauculus was achieved.
- Intravenous cefepime was the chosen therapeutic agent.
- This demonstrates cefepime's efficacy against this specific pathogen.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of identifying uncommon pathogens in VAP.
- Suggests cefepime as a potential treatment option for C. pauculus VAP.
- Contributes to understanding VAP etiology and management strategies.
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