Unprecedented Polymicrobial Bacteremia With Nine Microorganisms in a Critically Ill 95% Burn Patient
Alexander Johnson1,2, Julio Nasim3, Brian B Draper4
1College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City University, Kansas City, USA.
Cureus
|November 3, 2025
Summary
A severe burn patient developed bacteremia with nine bacterial species, the most ever recorded simultaneously. Despite extensive treatment, the patient died from sepsis, highlighting challenges in managing complex burn infections.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Burn Surgery
Background:
- Severe burn injuries (95% total body surface area) create a high risk for infection.
- Polymicrobial bacteremia presents significant challenges in critically ill patients.
- Identifying and managing multiple simultaneous pathogens is complex.
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