Fever in a Patient with a Central Venous Catheter Colonized by Pandoraea pnomenusa

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Pandoraea species are emerging multidrug-resistant, Gram-negative bacilli, often found in cystic fibrosis patients.
• These opportunistic pathogens can cause invasive infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals or those under antibiotic pressure.
• Accurate identification of Pandoraea spp. can be challenging with traditional phenotypic methods, potentially leading to underestimated incidence.

Observation:

• A case report details a 51-year-old woman with fever post-hospitalization and antibiotic treatment.
• Blood cultures and a central venous catheter tip were positive for Pandoraea pnomenusa.
• Resolution of fever after catheter removal indicated a catheter-related bloodstream infection.

Findings:

• Mass spectrometry successfully identified Pandoraea pnomenusa, aiding in diagnosis.
• This marks the first reported isolation of Pandoraea spp. in Portugal.
• The case highlights the potential for Pandoraea spp. to cause invasive infections in non-cystic fibrosis patients.

Implications:

• Increased awareness of Pandoraea spp. as potential opportunistic pathogens is necessary.
• The importance of advanced diagnostic techniques like mass spectrometry for identifying rare and difficult-to-culture bacteria is emphasized.
• Prompt identification and management are critical for improving patient outcomes and controlling the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms.