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Proteus mirabilis: An Unlikely Device-related Infection
Mark A Colantonio1, Michelle Hartzell1, Brooke Shannon1
1Department of Medicine, West Virginia University, House Staff 4Floor HSC-N Morgantown, PO Box 9168, Morgantown, WV, USA.
Abstract:
Implantable cardiac devices, including cardiac pacemakers, are not without risk for infection, carrying a mortality and morbidity of around 5-15%. Gram positive organisms are most common in 91% of cases, whereas gram negative organisms are less common, found in 2% of cases secondary to gram negative organisms other than Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here, we present a rare case of the gram-negative organism Proteus mirabilis leading to a pacemaker site infection.
Insights
Pacemaker infections pose significant risks, with Gram-positive bacteria being most common. This case highlights a rare instance of pacemaker site infection caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Proteus mirabilis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Implantable cardiac devices carry a 5-15% risk of infection.
- Gram-positive organisms cause the majority (91%) of device infections.
- Gram-negative organisms are infrequent causes (2%), typically excluding Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
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