Shewanella putrefaciens, a rare cause of splenic abscess
Basir N, Yong AM, Chong VH.
J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2011 Dec 2011
Abstract
Splenic abscess is uncommon and is still associated with significant morbidity
and mortality. Gram-negative bacilli are the most commonly isolated organisms,
followed by Gram-positive cocci. However, the predominant organisms found depend
on the geographic location. Shewanella putrefaciens is a Gram-negative
non-fermentative oxidative bacillus found in the environment. Infection usually
manifests with a number of clinical syndromes, most commonly as skin or soft
tissue infections, typically in patients whose immune system is compromised.
Intra-abdominal abscess is extremely rare. We report a case of a 22-year-old
female who presented with S. putrefaciens splenic abscesses as the first
manifestation of diabetes mellitus, which was successfully managed with a course
of antibiotic therapy.
Correspondence:
Chong VH, Department of Medicine, RIPAS Hospital, Bandar Seri Begawan BA 1710,
Brunei Darussalam.