Pseudomonas otitidis Bacteremia in a Patient with Cancer during the Palliative-care Phase

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Oncology

Background:

• Pseudomonas otitidis bacteremia is an uncommon clinical event.
• Patients with advanced cancers, particularly appendiceal cancer, may be at increased risk.
• Immunocompromised status is a significant factor in developing rare bacterial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of Pseudomonas otitidis bacteremia.
• To emphasize the importance of accurate microbial identification in complex cases.
• To highlight successful treatment strategies for P. otitidis infections.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 79-year-old male patient with advanced appendiceal cancer.
• Blood cultures were performed to detect bacterial presence.
• Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was utilized for precise bacterial identification.

Main Results:

• Pseudomonas otitidis was identified as the causative agent of bacteremia.
• The patient received a two-week course of piperacillin/tazobactam.
• Successful control of bacteremia was achieved with the administered treatment.

Conclusions:

• Pseudomonas otitidis can cause bacteremia, even in rare instances.
• Accurate identification using methods like MALDI-TOF MS is crucial for effective treatment.
• Piperacillin/tazobactam is an effective therapeutic option for P. otitidis bacteremia, especially in immunocompromised individuals.