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Updated: Dec 10, 2025
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Paenibacillus Sepsis and Meningitis in a Premature Infant: A Case Report
Brice Hunt1, Christopher Rogers1, Rachel Martin Blais2
1From the Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.
Abstract:
Infections due to bacteria of the genus Paenibacillus are exceedingly rare and therefore predominately described on a case-by-case basis. Here, we present a case of a 25-day-old premature neonate who died from presumed Paenibacillus sepsis and meningitis. Most prior reported cases of Paenibacillus bacteremia were among patients who had prosthetic medical devices, were immunocompromised, or were injection drug users. However, to our knowledge, this is the first reported case of infant death from presumed Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus. This case suggests the potential for severe human infection by an environmental bacterium previously considered to be of little consequence.
Insights
Paenibacillus infections are rare. This case highlights a fatal Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus sepsis and meningitis in a premature infant, suggesting potential for severe human infections from this environmental bacterium.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatal Health
Background:
- Bacterial infections in neonates can be severe and life-threatening.
- Paenibacillus species are environmental bacteria rarely associated with human infections.
- Previous Paenibacillus bacteremia cases involved specific risk factors like medical devices or immunocompromise.
Observation:
- A 25-day-old premature neonate presented with symptoms suggestive of sepsis and meningitis.
- The neonate unfortunately died from the presumed infection.
- Post-mortem analysis indicated Paenibacillus as the causative agent.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of infant death attributed to Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus sepsis and meningitis.
- The clinical presentation in this neonate differed from typical Paenibacillus infection profiles.
- The bacterium, usually considered low-risk, caused a fulminant infection in a vulnerable infant.
Implications:
- Paenibacillus species, including P. thiaminolyticus, may pose a greater threat to human health, especially in vulnerable populations.
- This case underscores the need for increased awareness and diagnostic consideration of Paenibacillus in neonatal sepsis and meningitis.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis and risk factors for severe Paenibacillus infections in humans.
