Infect Chemother.  2012 Jun;44(3):193-196. 10.3947/ic.2012.44.3.193.

A Case of Shewanella algae Bacteremia Accompanying Cellulitis in Both Legs of a Patient on Hemodialysis: Case Report and Literature Review

• Lee ST
• Lee SJ
• Yun MJ
• Oh HJ
• Gang NR
• Koo MS
• Choi JP

• KMID: 2170371
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2012.44.3.193

Abstract

We report a fatal case of Shewanella algae bacteremia accompanied by cellulitis in both legs of a chronic renal failure patient who had not been exposed to sea water or raw fish. A 47-year-old male on hemodialysis was admitted to our clinic due to pain in both legs accompanied by a febrile sensation that started 2 days prior to his visit. A blood culture specimen revealed S. algae, a rare human opportunistic pathogen. In spite of early and appropriate antimicrobial treatment, the patient died of septic shock on the second day of his hospital stay. Recently, serious infections caused by Shewanella species have been reported in increasing frequency. Hepatobiliary diseases have been proposed as predisposing factors, not only for infection by this organism, but also for fatality. However, we should be aware of the significance of S. algae in patients with renal insufficiency, especially those on maintenance hemodialysis. Herein, we report our case with review relevant literature.

Keyword

Shewanella algae; Bacteremia; Cellulitis; Renal insufficiency

MeSH Terms

Bacteremia
Cellulitis
Humans
Kidney Failure, Chronic
Leg
Length of Stay
Male
Middle Aged
Renal Dialysis
Renal Insufficiency
Seawater
Sensation
Shewanella
Shock, Septic

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