An uncommon encounter: Pseudescherichia vulneris infection in a neonate. A case report
Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine 2024;
10: e1539
DOI: 10.32113/idtm_20249_1539
Topic: Bacterial Infections
Category: Case report
Abstract
Background: Pseudescherichia vulneris is a rare pathogen associated with infections in immunocompromised adults. This may be the first documented report of a neonate with late-onset sepsis.
Case Report: An 18-day-old term baby was admitted to the pediatric unit with a five-day history of fever and refusal to feed. The infant was irritable, jaundiced, and pale. Notably, the mother experienced prolonged premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Blood culture isolated multi-drug-resistant P. vulneris and Acinetobacter baumannii. Identifying the organism was challenging due to its rarity, phenotypic similarity to other Enterobacteriaceae, and limited access to advanced diagnostic tools. The treatment was successful, as the baby responded well to antibiotics and was discharged.
Conclusions: This case highlights the potential for rare pathogens to cause neonatal sepsis, the challenges in diagnosing such infections in resource-limited settings, and the risk of multidrug-resistant strains emerging in the isolate. The case also underscores the necessity for further research to elucidate the pathogenesis, epidemiology, and optimal management of P. vulneris infections.
Case Report: An 18-day-old term baby was admitted to the pediatric unit with a five-day history of fever and refusal to feed. The infant was irritable, jaundiced, and pale. Notably, the mother experienced prolonged premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Blood culture isolated multi-drug-resistant P. vulneris and Acinetobacter baumannii. Identifying the organism was challenging due to its rarity, phenotypic similarity to other Enterobacteriaceae, and limited access to advanced diagnostic tools. The treatment was successful, as the baby responded well to antibiotics and was discharged.
Conclusions: This case highlights the potential for rare pathogens to cause neonatal sepsis, the challenges in diagnosing such infections in resource-limited settings, and the risk of multidrug-resistant strains emerging in the isolate. The case also underscores the necessity for further research to elucidate the pathogenesis, epidemiology, and optimal management of P. vulneris infections.
To cite this article
An uncommon encounter: Pseudescherichia vulneris infection in a neonate. A case report
Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine 2024;
10: e1539
DOI: 10.32113/idtm_20249_1539
Publication History
Submission date: 15 Jul 2024
Revised on: 02 Aug 2024
Accepted on: 04 Sep 2024
Published online: 10 Sep 2024
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