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Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Due to Elizabethkingia anophelis: Case Report and Literature Review on
Sofia Maraki1, Nikolaos Katzilakis2, Ioannis Neonakis1
1Department of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Greece.
Insights
Elizabethkingia anophelis can cause severe infections, especially in vulnerable patients. Prompt identification and effective antibiotic treatment, like piperacillin/tazobactam and amikacin, are crucial for successful outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Oncology
Background:
- Elizabethkingia anophelis is an opportunistic pathogen causing severe infections in immunocompromised individuals, neonates, and the elderly.
- Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are a significant concern in healthcare settings.
Observation:
- A case of CLABSI caused by E. anophelis in a 2.5-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is presented.
- The patient was successfully treated with a combination of piperacillin/tazobactam and amikacin.
Findings:
- Literature review on pediatric E. anophelis infections highlights clinical features, risk factors, and treatment outcomes.
- Accurate species identification using MALDI-TOF or molecular methods is critical due to species-specific resistance patterns.
- E. anophelis exhibits multidrug resistance, making appropriate antimicrobial selection vital.
Implications:
- Early and accurate identification of Elizabethkingia species is essential for effective treatment.
- Inappropriate antimicrobial therapy is linked to increased mortality in E. anophelis infections.
- Prompt and targeted treatment improves therapeutic outcomes and patient prognosis in severe infections.
Abstract:
Elizabethkingia anophelis is an opportunistic pathogen causing lifethreatening infections in humans, particularly in immunocompromised patients, neonates and the elderly. We report a case of central line-associated bloodstream infection by E. anophelis in a 2.5-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia successfully treated with a combination of piperacillin/tazobactam and amikacin. The literature was also reviewed on pediatric infections caused by E. anophelis, focusing on clinical manifestations, underlying medical conditions, treatment and outcome. Accurate identification with MALDI-TOF, or using molecular techniques, is of the utmost importance because treatment and prognosis differ depending on the species. Considering that E. anophelis is multiresistant to antibiotics and that inappropriate antimicrobial therapy is an independent risk factor for mortality, the early, accurate identification of bacterial species and prompt effective treatment are essential to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.
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