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Wound infection by an indigenous Pseudomonas pseudomallei-like organism isolated from the soil: case report and
Abstract:
A 27-year-old farmer in the Oklahoma panhandle was pinned under his overturned tractor for 2 hr and received superficial and deep lacerations. He contracted an infection of a pelvic wound with an organism that had cultural and biochemical characteristics identical to those of Pseudomonas pseudomallei. Identical organisms were recovered from soil taken from the site of the accident. The organism isolated from the wound proved to be less virulent in guinea pigs than usual laboratory strains of P. pseudomallei; fatty acid analysis showed a distinctly different pattern from that of laboratory strains of P. pseudomallei. The infecting organism may be a variant of P. pseudomallei or a new species of Pseudomonas.
Insights
A farmer developed a wound infection with an organism resembling Pseudomonas pseudomallei found in soil. This soil bacterium showed reduced virulence and unique fatty acid profiles compared to lab strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Melioidosis is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas pseudomallei, typically found in soil and water.
- Occupational hazards in agriculture can lead to traumatic injuries and subsequent infections.
Observation:
- A farmer sustained deep lacerations after being trapped under a tractor.
- A pelvic wound infection developed, with the causative agent exhibiting characteristics similar to Pseudomonas pseudomallei.
- The same organism was isolated from soil at the accident site.
Findings:
- The isolated organism demonstrated reduced virulence in guinea pig models compared to standard Pseudomonas pseudomallei strains.
- Fatty acid analysis revealed distinct differences between the infecting organism and known laboratory strains of Pseudomonas pseudomallei.
- These findings suggest the organism may be an unusual variant or a novel species within the Pseudomonas genus.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for environmental bacteria, like Pseudomonas pseudomallei, to cause infections following agricultural accidents.
- The distinct characteristics of the isolate warrant further investigation into its pathogenicity and taxonomic classification.
- Understanding environmental reservoirs of potential pathogens is crucial for preventing and managing infections in agricultural settings.