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Clostridium paraputrificum in a Middle-Aged Male With Liver Disease
Kevin Trong Dao1, Carlos D'Assumpcao1, Rupam Sharma1
1Kern Medical-UCLA, Bakersfield, CA, USA.
Abstract:
Clostridium paraputrificum is a gram-positive anaerobic spore-forming bacillus with a pathological prevalence of <1% among all Clostridium species. However, despite being a rare bacterium, there have been reported cases of C paraputrificum causing a wide range of varying pathologies. Herein presented is a case of cirrhosis secondary to alcoholism complicated by developing C paraputrificum bacteremia suspected due to gastrointestinal mucosal damage. There is literature demonstrating certain comorbid conditions having an impact on the overall prognosis of patients with C paraputrificum bacteremia.
Insights
Clostridium paraputrificum bacteremia is rare but can cause serious illness, especially in patients with liver disease. This case highlights gastrointestinal damage as a potential trigger in alcoholic cirrhosis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Clostridium paraputrificum is a rare, gram-positive anaerobic bacterium.
- Despite its low prevalence, C. paraputrificum can cause diverse pathologies.
- Alcoholic cirrhosis can compromise gastrointestinal integrity, increasing infection risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of C. paraputrificum bacteremia in a patient with alcoholic cirrhosis.
- To explore the potential role of gastrointestinal mucosal damage in C. paraputrificum bacteremia.
- To review the impact of comorbid conditions on patient prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Literature review on C. paraputrificum infections and comorbid conditions.
Main Results:
- A patient with alcoholic cirrhosis developed C. paraputrificum bacteremia.
- Gastrointestinal mucosal damage was suspected as the source of infection.
- Literature suggests comorbid conditions influence prognosis in C. paraputrificum bacteremia.
Conclusions:
- C. paraputrificum bacteremia is a rare but significant complication, particularly in immunocompromised or debilitated patients.
- Gastrointestinal mucosal damage may predispose individuals to C. paraputrificum bacteremia.
- Understanding patient comorbidities is crucial for managing C. paraputrificum infections.
