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Septicaemia due to Aerococcus urinae
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Central Hospital, Esbjerg, Denmark.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Aerococcus urinae, a rare bacterium, was identified in the bloodstream of a patient with septicaemia following prostate surgery. Despite the blood infection, the patient's urine remained sterile, indicating a localized infection source.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Septicemia is a life-threatening condition requiring prompt identification of the causative agent.
- Aerococcus urinae is a Gram-positive bacterium occasionally implicated in human infections, particularly urinary tract infections.
- Prostate gland surgery can increase the risk of postoperative infections.
Observation:
- A patient presented with symptoms of septicaemia.
- Blood cultures revealed the presence of Aerococcus urinae.
- The patient had recently undergone a prostate gland operation.
- Urine culture results were negative, indicating sterility.
Findings:
- Aerococcus urinae was confirmed as the causative pathogen in the patient's bloodstream infection (septicaemia).
- The isolation of Aerococcus urinae from blood, despite sterile urine, highlights a potential non-urinary source or translocation.
- The recent prostatectomy is a significant clinical factor potentially linked to the septicaemia episode.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering Aerococcus urinae in the differential diagnosis of septicaemia, even with sterile urine.
- Further investigation into the specific mechanisms of Aerococcus urinae translocation following prostate surgery is warranted.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for unusual pathogens in postoperative septicaemia.