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Campylobacter fetus Bacteremia Related to Vascular Prosthesis and Pseudoaneurysm Infection: A Case Report and Review
Karolina Dobrović1, Branko Fila2, Andrea Janeš3
1Department of Clinical Microbiology and Hospital Infections, Dubrava University Hospital, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
Background:
Campylobacter fetus rarely causes gastrointestinal diseases but shows an affinity for the endovascular epithelium.
Methods:
We describe a case of C. fetus bacteremia related to vascular prosthesis and pseudoaneurysm infection, with a review of the literature.
Results:
A 67-year-old male was admitted with a history of fever, weakness and painful swelling of the groin. After unsuccessful treatment with ciprofloxacin, the patient was transferred to our hospital, where he had been previously treated for aortoiliac occlusive disease including a prosthetic aortobifemoral and popliteal bypass with polyester graft placement. An angiography showed a pseudoaneurysm in the groin and, therefore, repair of the pseudoaneurysm, removal of the prosthesis and biologic graft placement were performed. Blood cultures and tissue samples of the vascular prosthesis and pseudoaneurysm yielded C. fetus resistant to ciprofloxacin. The patient was treated with meropenem for four weeks, followed by amoxicillin-clavulanate for another two weeks after discharge. Eight previously published cases of C. fetus bacteremia due to infected cardiovascular prosthetic devices (prosthetic heart valves, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and a permanent pacemaker) were summarized in the review.
Conclusions:
To our knowledge, this is the first report of a C. fetus bacteremia related to post-surgical infection of a vascular prosthesis causing a pseudoaneurysm.
Insights
Campylobacter fetus rarely causes GI issues but can infect vascular prostheses, leading to pseudoaneurysms. This case highlights C. fetus bacteremia in a patient with a prosthetic graft, emphasizing the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Surgery
- Microbiology
Background:
- Campylobacter fetus typically has low gastrointestinal pathogenicity.
- C. fetus exhibits a predilection for the endovascular endothelium.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old male presented with fever and groin swelling.
- The patient had a history of aortoiliac occlusive disease with prior polyester graft placement.
- Angiography revealed a pseudoaneurysm in the groin.
Findings:
- The patient developed C. fetus bacteremia and a pseudoaneurysm at the site of a vascular prosthesis.
- C. fetus isolated from blood and tissue samples was resistant to ciprofloxacin.
- Treatment involved meropenem followed by amoxicillin-clavulanate.
Implications:
- This is the first reported case of C. fetus bacteremia secondary to vascular prosthesis infection causing a pseudoaneurysm.
- The findings underscore the importance of considering C. fetus in prosthetic vascular graft infections.
- Early recognition and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing C. fetus-related vascular complications.
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