A Fatal Shewanella algae Infection After an Open Tibial Fracture Following a Tropical Storm: A Case Report

Case Report: Shewanella algae, a rare cause of osteosynthesis-associated infection

Shewanella is an emerging human pathogen. It mostly causes skin and soft tissue infections. Osteosynthesis-associated infection involving Shewanella are rare and in most cases are secondary to direct contamination following open fractures in aquatic environments. Here, we present a rare case of hematogenous osteosynthesis-associated infection involving Shewanella algae affecting an 18-year-old patient who was operated on for 12 th thoracic vertebrae and 4th lumbar vertebrae fractures occurring in an aquatic environment. We performed surgical debridement with subsequent double course parenteral antibiotherapy that was then adapted to bacteria sensitivities for three weeks. After a follow-up of six months, the patient had no signs of recurrent infection. The presence of infected dermabrasions and the concordance between germs isolated in operative samples and in blood cultures presumes that the contamination was hematogenous.

Shewanella infection in humans: Epidemiology, clinical features and pathogenicity

The genus Shewanella consists of Gram-negative proteobacteria that are ubiquitously distributed in environment. As the members of this genus have rapidly increased within the past decade, several species have become emerging pathogens worldwide, attracting the attention of the medical community. These species are also associated with severe community- and hospital-acquired infections. Patients infected with Shewanella spp. had experiences of occupational or recreational exposure; meanwhile, the process of infection is complex and the pathogenicity is influenced by a variety of factors. Here, an exhaustive internet-based literature search was carried out in PUBMED using terms “Achromobacter putrefaciens,” “Pseudomonas putrefaciens,” “Alteromonas putrefaciens” and “Shewanella” to search literatures published between 1978 and June 2022. We provided a comprehensive review on the epidemiology, clinical features and pathogenicity of Shewanella, which will contribute a better understanding of its clinical aetiology, and facilitate the timely diagnosis and effective treatment of Shewanella infection for clinicians and public health professionals.