Sepsis Caused by Ewingella americana in an Immunocompromised Patient: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Oncology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Ewingella americana is a rare cause of human infections.
• Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are immunocompromised, increasing susceptibility to infections.
• Blood transfusions can be a potential route for pathogen transmission.

Observation:

• A cancer patient receiving chemotherapy developed sepsis during a red blood cell transfusion.
• Ewingella americana was identified as the causative pathogen from blood cultures.
• The patient presented with symptoms indicative of severe infection.

Findings:

• Treatment with ceftriaxone led to complete clinical improvement.
• Subsequent blood cultures showed no further growth of Ewingella americana or other pathogens.
• This represents the first reported case of Ewingella americana infection in a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy in Türkiye.

Implications:

• This case expands the known clinical spectrum of Ewingella americana infections.
• Highlights the importance of considering rare pathogens in immunocompromised patients with sepsis.
• Suggests vigilance for potential transfusion-transmitted infections in vulnerable patient populations.