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Pseudomonas putrefaciens and group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus septicemia
Archives of Internal Medicine
|November 1, 1980
Abstract:
Pseudomonas putrefaciens was isolated twice in blood cultures from which group A beta-hemolytic streptococci were concurrently isolated from a moribund woman. Only once previously has P putrefaciens bacteremia been reported. To our knowledge, we are reporting the first blood isolate of P putrefaciens, albeit with group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, associated with fatal septicemia.
Insights
Pseudomonas putrefaciens bacteremia is rare, with only one prior report. This study details a second case, concurrently involving group A beta-hemolytic streptococci in a fatal septicemia case.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pseudomonas putrefaciens is an opportunistic pathogen with infrequent reports of bloodstream infections.
- Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci are common causes of various infections, including severe invasive disease.
Observation:
- A moribund woman presented with concurrent isolation of Pseudomonas putrefaciens and group A beta-hemolytic streptococci from blood cultures.
- This marks the second reported instance of P. putrefaciens bacteremia in medical literature.
Findings:
- The co-isolation of P. putrefaciens and group A beta-hemolytic streptococci was observed in a patient with fatal septicemia.
- This case represents the first documented association of P. putrefaciens bloodstream infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococci in a fatal outcome.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for P. putrefaciens to cause severe infections, particularly in immunocompromised or critically ill patients.
- Underscores the importance of identifying polymicrobial infections in severe sepsis and septic shock.
- Suggests further investigation into the synergistic or contributing roles of different bacterial species in fatal septicemia.