Hepatic failure with Providencia rettgeri infection: case report

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Providencia rettgeri is an uncommon opportunistic pathogen frequently causing urinary tract and skin infections.
• Infections in patients with hepatic failure are rarely reported.
• Nosocomial infections pose significant challenges in intensive care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of Providencia rettgeri lung infection in a patient with severe hepatic failure.
• To highlight the association of this pathogen with critical illness and antimicrobial resistance.
• To emphasize the need for vigilance in managing such infections.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 29-year-old male with a crushing injury leading to hepatic failure.
• Diagnosis of Providencia rettgeri pneumonia via fiber bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid culture.
• Patient management in an infectious intensive care unit with mechanical ventilation.

Main Results:

• Providencia rettgeri was identified in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of a patient with severe liver failure and trauma.
• The patient experienced significant complications including postoperative issues and extensive burns.
• This highlights a rare instance of Providencia rettgeri pneumonia in a ventilated patient.

Conclusions:

• Providencia rettgeri poses a significant threat in critically ill patients, particularly those with compromised liver function.
• Antimicrobial resistance associated with Providencia rettgeri can lead to prolonged recovery and increased mortality.
• Close monitoring and prompt management are crucial for patients with this opportunistic infection.