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Sepsis and Liver Abscess Caused by Leuconostoc mesenteroides in a Pediatric Patient with Aplastic Anemia
Pravesh Kumar1, Eby P Baby2, Hari Gaire2
1Department of Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Child Health, Noida, India.
Abstract:
Aplastic anemia is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by bone marrow failure, leading to severe pancytopenia and an increased risk of bacterial and fungal infections. The management of such infections is challenging in immunocompromised patients, particularly in the absence of definitive guidelines. We report a case of a 10-year-old boy with very severe aplastic anemia who developed sepsis and a liver abscess due to Leuconostoc mesenteroides. The infection resolved only after improvement of the absolute neutrophil count following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Because this organism is intrinsically resistant to vancomycin, treatment may require prolonged therapy with aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol, macrolides and other active agents. This case highlights the importance of considering rare pathogens such as L. mesenteroides in immunocompromised patients with persistent infections.
Insights
Aplastic anemia patients face infection risks. A boy with aplastic anemia developed sepsis from Leuconostoc mesenteroides, requiring stem cell transplant for recovery, highlighting challenges in treating rare infections.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Aplastic anemia is a critical condition involving bone marrow failure and pancytopenia.
- Immunocompromised patients with aplastic anemia have a high risk of severe bacterial and fungal infections.
- Managing infections in these patients is complex due to lack of specific guidelines.
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