Elizabethkingia anophelis infection in an infant: an unusual presentation

Mohsin Raj Mantoo1, Jagat Jeevan Ghimire1, Sarita Mahopatra2

  • 1Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India.

BMJ Case Reports
|May 26, 2021
PubMed

Insights

A severe Elizabethkingia anophelis infection presented unusually in an infant with sepsis and bleeding symptoms. Early diagnosis and piperacillin-tazobactam treatment led to recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Elizabethkingia anophelis is an emerging pathogen often associated with hospital-acquired infections.
  • Community-acquired Elizabethkingia anophelis infections are rare, especially in infants.

Observation:

  • A 7-month-old infant presented with prolonged fever, ecchymotic patches, shock, respiratory failure, severe anemia, and thrombocytopenia.
  • Cranial CT revealed a temporoparietal hematoma, with no evidence of bleeding disorders or non-accidental trauma.

Findings:

  • Blood cultures confirmed Elizabethkingia anophelis infection.
  • The infant was sensitive only to piperacillin-tazobactam and responded well to this treatment.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for severe community-acquired Elizabethkingia anophelis infections in infants.
  • Prompt recognition and targeted antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing this emerging pathogen.

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