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Megaprosthesis Infection by Bacteroides fragilis in a Patient With Ewing's Sarcoma: A Case Report and Literature
Yoleidys Martínez-Ysasis1, Antonella Francesca Simonetti2, Ferran Navarro1,3,4
1Microbiology Department Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau Barcelona Spain.
Abstract:
Bacteroides fragilis, typically linked to intra-abdominal infections, caused a rare prosthetic infection in a patient with Ewing's sarcoma. Treated with intravenous and oral antibiotics, the patient fully recovered. This case underscores the diverse infections B. fragilis can cause and highlights the need for further research.
Insights
Bacteroides fragilis, a bacterium usually causing abdominal infections, rarely infected a prosthetic device in a patient with Ewing's sarcoma. Prompt antibiotic treatment led to full recovery, showing the bacteria's diverse infection potential.
Area of Science:
- Medical microbiology
- Infectious diseases
- Oncology
Background:
- Bacteroides fragilis is a common commensal bacterium in the human gut.
- It is frequently implicated in intra-abdominal infections and abscesses.
- Prosthetic joint infections are typically caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of prosthetic infection caused by Bacteroides fragilis.
- To highlight the unusual presentation of Bacteroides fragilis infection in an immunocompromised patient.
- To emphasize the importance of considering diverse pathogens in prosthetic infections.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a patient with Ewing's sarcoma and prosthetic infection.
- Identification of the causative pathogen through microbiological cultures.
- Treatment with a course of intravenous and oral antibiotics.
Main Results:
- Bacteroides fragilis was identified as the causative agent of the prosthetic infection.
- The patient received appropriate antibiotic therapy tailored to the identified pathogen.
- The patient achieved a complete clinical recovery without surgical intervention.
Conclusions:
- Bacteroides fragilis can cause rare but serious prosthetic infections, even outside the typical intra-abdominal setting.
- This case underscores the need for broad microbiological consideration in prosthetic infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis and optimal management of such rare infections.
