Ventilator-associated pneumonia by Weeksella virosa: case report

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care Medicine
• Microbiology

Background:

• Weeksella virosa pneumonia is a rare healthcare-associated infection.
• It is caused by a gram-negative anaerobic bacterium.
• This infection is more common in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation and those who are immunocompromised.

Observation:

• A case study of a 64-year-old female in Veracruz, Mexico, is presented.
• The patient developed an infectious process in her right pelvic limb post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
• She experienced cardiorespiratory arrest requiring mechanical ventilation, leading to the diagnosis of nosocomial pneumonia.

Findings:

• This case represents the first reported instance of Weeksella virosa pneumonia in Veracruz.
• It is the second reported case in Mexico.
• The findings highlight the bacterium's association with nosocomial infections in post-operative patients requiring critical care.

Implications:

• Weeksella virosa infections are not limited to adults with comorbidities.
• Children with renal, hepatic, or oncological conditions are also at risk.
• Immunocompromised individuals, including children and adults, should be considered high-risk populations for W. virosa infection.