First case of non-traumatic community-acquired Pseudomonas fulva infection

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Urology

Background:

• Pseudomonas fulva is an infrequently identified bacterial species.
• This pathogen is typically associated with invasive procedures or trauma.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, but P. fulva UTIs are rare.

Observation:

• An 85-year-old female presented with symptoms of macroscopic hematuria, dysuria, and lower abdominal discomfort.
• Initial investigations including computed tomography, cystoscopy, and urinary bladder lavage cytology did not reveal a source of bleeding or malignancy.
• Urine culture yielded Pseudomonas fulva, identified via MALDI-TOF.

Findings:

• The patient's symptoms resolved within three days of empirical antibiotic therapy.
• This case demonstrates a P. fulva UTI in an elderly patient without a history of trauma or invasive procedures.
• Diagnostic workup failed to identify an underlying cause for the hematuria or infection.

Implications:

• Clinical awareness of Pseudomonas fulva as a potential pathogen in urinary tract infections, even without typical risk factors, is crucial.
• Prompt antibiotic treatment is essential for managing P. fulva infections.
• Further research may be needed to understand the pathogenesis and risk factors for P. fulva infections in diverse patient populations.