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Two cases of Cupriavidus gilardii infection presenting as pneumonia and cholecystitis were reported

Han Qin1, Bin Dong1, Rui Qin2

  • 1Department of Sports Medicine, Heze Municipal Hospital, Heze, Shandong Province, China.

Medicine
|June 27, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cupriavidus gilardii infections are rare but challenging due to lack of susceptibility breakpoints. Early identification and susceptibility testing are crucial for treating these opportunistic infections in vulnerable patients.

Area of Science:

  • Medical microbiology
  • Infectious diseases
  • Clinical diagnostics

Background:

  • Cupriavidus gilardii is an opportunistic pathogen rarely causing clinical infections.
  • Lack of established antimicrobial susceptibility breakpoints complicates diagnosis and treatment.
  • This report details two cases to improve clinical recognition of C. gilardii.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report two cases of Cupriavidus gilardii infection.
  • To highlight challenges in diagnosis and treatment.
  • To enhance clinical recognition of this rare pathogen.

Main Methods:

  • Two cases of febrile illness in elderly patients with comorbidities are presented.
  • Sputum and bile cultures identified Cupriavidus gilardii.
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing guided therapy adjustments.

Main Results:

  • Both patients received empirical antibiotics, with targeted adjustments based on susceptibility testing.
  • Both patients improved clinically and were discharged afebrile.
  • Cupriavidus gilardii was confirmed as the causative agent in both cases.

Conclusions:

  • Cupriavidus gilardii infections should be suspected in immunocompromised or elderly patients with refractory fever.
  • Early identification using MALDI-TOF MS and susceptibility testing are critical.
  • The pathogen exhibits intrinsic resistance to carbapenems and aminoglycosides, necessitating careful treatment selection.
Keywords:
immunosuppressionopportunistic pathogen

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