Doub JB, Chua JV. A rare case of
Sphingomonas paucimobilis ventriculitis.
Germs 2023;
13:254-258. [PMID:
38146376 PMCID:
PMC10748845 DOI:
10.18683/germs.2023.1391]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Introduction
Nosocomial ventriculitis is a severe infection that habitually plagues neurological intensive care units. It is usually associated with external ventricular drains. Unfortunately, classic cerebral spinal fluid parameters are less specific and sensitive compared to community acquired meningitis. This is in part secondary to indolent bacteria commonly infecting external ventricular drains leading to ventriculitis.
Case report
Herein, a rare case of Sphingomonas paucimobilis ventriculitis in an immunocompetent host is reported. The patient had classic symptoms of ventriculitis, but her cerebral spinal fluid parameters were benign and initial cultures were negative. Consequently, treatment was tailored to an assumed respiratory infection only to have recurrence of her symptoms. Repeat analysis of her cerebral spinal fluid was again benign, but her cerebral spinal fluid culture grew S. paucimobilis. Subsequently, the patient was treated with cefepime, which resolved her symptoms. She completed a two-week course and has had no recurrence of her infection.
Conclusions
This case reinforces the need for clinicians to have heightened awareness of this emerging pathogen, its antibiotic resistance patterns, and the unique composition of this bacterium's cell wall which has ramifications on disease presentation.
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