Nosocomial bloodstream infection pathogen Pantoea dispersa: a case report and literature review
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Published on: May 4, 2018
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
Abstract:
Pantoea dispersa is a Gram-negative bacterium frequently found in plants, soil, and water. The genus Pantoea is a rare pathogen in human infectious diseases. The known susceptible populations include infants and postoperative and immunocompromised patients. To date, there have been no reports of nosocomial bloodstream infection due to P. dispersa following chest puncture. A 72-year-old Chinese woman suffering from chest distress was found to be blood culture positive for a Gram-negative bacterium. The organism was identified as P. dispersa through Vitek 2, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Although cefoperazone-sulbactam and imipenem were used for treatment, the patient died four days later. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of nosocomial bloodstream infection caused by P. dispersa in China. We hope that this article might help clinicians understand better the potential pathogenicity of this pathogen.
Insights
This case report details a rare nosocomial bloodstream infection caused by Pantoea dispersa in a 72-year-old woman. Despite treatment, the patient succumbed, highlighting the pathogen
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pantoea dispersa, a Gram-negative bacterium, is commonly found in environmental sources like soil and water.
- The genus Pantoea is an infrequent cause of human infections, typically affecting vulnerable populations such as infants and immunocompromised individuals.
Observation:
- A 72-year-old woman presented with chest distress and was diagnosed with a Gram-negative bacterium in her blood culture.
- The bacterium was identified as Pantoea dispersa using Vitek 2, MALDI-TOF MS, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
- This represents the first reported instance of nosocomial bloodstream infection by P. dispersa following a chest puncture procedure.
Findings:
- The patient received cefoperazone-sulbactam and imipenem for treatment.
- Despite antimicrobial therapy, the patient unfortunately died four days after diagnosis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential pathogenicity of Pantoea dispersa in human infections, even in non-traditional scenarios.
- It highlights the importance of considering environmental bacteria as potential pathogens in nosocomial infections.
- Clinicians should be aware of Pantoea dispersa as a causative agent, particularly in patients with specific risk factors or exposure histories.
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