Molecular diagnosis of Raoultella planticola infection of a surgical site

A novel case of Raoultella bacteremia secondary to liver abscess formation following transarterial chemoembolization

Raoultella planticola is an uncommon gram-negative bacterium that has rarely been identified as the causative organism in severe infections. Few cases have been described and have included patients with pneumonia, urinary tract infections or cholangitis. Only one case has reported to involve a liver abscess, thought to be from a primary urologic source. We describe the case of a 73-year-old man with recently diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma who developed multiple pyogenic liver abscesses. The abscesses were thought to have developed in the setting of recent transarterial chemoembolization leading to R. planticola bacteremia noted on admission. Treatment with ceftriaxone and metronidazole was initiated in addition to drainage of the abscesses, resulting in decreased size of liver collections and initial clinical improvement. R. planticola remains a rare infectious organism in severe infections affecting both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. Our patient’s underlying malignancy and recent transarterial chemoembolization likely placed him at risk of liver abscess formation complicated by bacteremia and sepsis.

Bacteremic cholangitis due to Raoultella planticola complicating intrahepatic bile duct stricture 5 years post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a case report

Background

Raoultella Planticola is a facultative anaerobic, gram-negative, water- and soil-dwelling rod bacterium rarely reported as a cause of human disease. However, the number of reported R. planticola infections is growing, without a concomitant increase in research on the microbe or its pathogenesis. Previous genomic studies demonstrating genetic similarities between R. planticola and Klebsiella pneumoniae suggest that capsule biosynthesis, mucoid phenotype, biofilm production, and lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) synthesis may all be potential virulence factors of R. planticola. We present a unique case of R. planticola infection of the biliary tract 5 years after biliary surgery in a patient with no previously documented risk factors. We also use in silico techniques to predict virulence factors of R. planticola.

Case presentation

This case report is the first to discuss a R. planticola infection in the biliary tract of late onset post-surgery (5 years) in a Caucasian patient with no previously documented risk factors.

Conclusions

An in-depth search of the current literature did not yield other similar cases of R. planticola infections. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, our case is the first case of R. planticola isolated from post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) as part of biliary sepsis not associated with gastroenteritis. The late onset of the infection in our patient and the results of the in silico analysis suggest that R. planticola may have survived exposure to the host immune system through the creation of an intracellular biofilm or in a non-culturable but viable state (NCBV) for the 5-year period. The in silico analysis also suggests that biofilms, enterobactin, and mucoid phenotype may play a role in the pathogenesis of R. planticola. However, further research is needed to illuminate the significance of pili, capsule biosynthesis, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the virulence of R. planticola. Lastly, as our patient did not have any risk factors previously associated with R. planticola, we suggest that biliary tract stricture, cholecystitis, and prior surgery may be possible novel risk factors.

The first case of Raoultella planticola infective endocarditis in a 4 year old child: A case report and review of literature

Infective endocarditis is a complication of bacteremia that can lead to serious morbidity and even mortality if not appropriately treated, well known organisms commonly lead to this condition in many repeated scenarios so they are usually recognized and treated, but if it was caused by other organisms its detection and treatment can be harder. Raoultella planticola, a low virulent organism used to be part of the Klebsiella species, has been found in many reports to cause multiple human conditions. In this article, a novel case of R. planticola is reported, and the organism was reviewed in many aspects for clinician to be able to recognize this infection and manage it in a more effective way.

Raoultella Planticola associated necrotizing appendicitis: A novel case report

INTRODUCTION

Raoultella Planticola is a gram negative, aerobic, rod bacteria found in water and soil and is rarely reported to cause infections in humans. This case study is the first of its kind in reporting R. planticola appendicitis.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report a case of a woman presenting with a two-day history of increased weakness, fatigue and anorexia, localized pain to the right lower quadrant, and elevated white blood cell count. CT results demonstrated acute uncomplicated appendicitis which was managed via laparoscopic appendectomy. The patient became febrile on the day of the procedure and was found to have R. planticola bacteremia which was treated with amoxicillin-clavulanate. She was discharged on postoperative day two and reported an unremarkable recovery at her five-week follow-up appointment.

DISCUSSION

R. planticola is a common organism that is rarely, though increasingly, associated with human infection. Interestingly, prior to hospitalization, this patient did not have any risk factors commonly associated with R. planticola infection, such as seafood consumption. However, she may have had gastrointestinal tract colonization with R. planticola prior to onset of appendicitis and appendectomy. Bacteremia likely resulted from micro-perforation of the appendix.

CONCLUSION

Although infection with R. planticola is typically benign when treated appropriately, this pathogen has homology with Klebsiella species, and has the potential to acquire antimicrobial resistance. The case presented here suggests that R. planticola should be considered as a potential source of bacteremia in inflammatory/infectious gastrointestinal tract diseases even in the absence of typical risk factors.

A rare case of Raoultella planticola urinary tract infection in an immunocompromised patient with multiple myeloma

INTRODUCTION

Raoultella planticola is a gram-negative rod associated with soil and aquatic environments that has rarely been associated with human infections.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present the case of a 73 year old female with multiple myeloma and recurrent Clostridium difficile infection who was found to have a urinary tract infection with Raoultella planticola, which has only been reported to cause 29 cases of human infections and 2 cases of urinary tract infections.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Our case and literature review suggest that immunocompromised patients are predisposed to developing Raoultella planticola infection, and that this is a potential emerging pathogen.

Raoultella spp.-clinical significance, infections and susceptibility to antibiotics

The genus Raoultella belongs to the family of Enterobacteriaceae. Raoultella spp. are Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile rods. This genus can be distinguished from the genus Klebsiella, in that genus use histamine as the only source of carbon in the medium. Also, Raoultella grow at 4 °C and do not produce gas from lactose at 44.5 °C. Raoultella sp. is known to inhabit natural environments (water, soil, plants). The reservoir of Raoultella is the gastrointestinal tract and upper respiratory tract. Raoultella spp. are opportunistic bacteria, which usually cause infections of the biliary tract, pneumonia and bacteraemia in oncologic and with lower immunity patients. Raoultella planticola and Raoultella ornithinolytica are the most frequently encountered human pathogens among the genus Raoultella. In this review, the current knowledge on Raoultella infections is summarized.

Isolation of Raoultella planticola from refillable antimicrobial liquid soap dispensers in a dental setting

BACKGROUND

Liquid antimicrobial soaps are commonly used in the dental health care setting for hand washing to minimize the potential spread of infectious agents to health care workers and patients. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate possible bacterial contamination of antimicrobial liquid soap dispensers located in 2 institutional comprehensive dental care clinics.

METHODS

Fourteen soap dispensers and 16 original stock containers were sampled. A 1-milliliter aliquot was diluted in 10 mL of phosphate buffer (Tween-80; Acros). Serial dilutions were plated in duplicate on neutralizing agar and incubated for 7 days. Molecular identification was performed using 500 base pair comparisons of 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid sequencing. Taq polymerase chain reaction was performed with sequence-specific primers for Raoultella species.

RESULTS

Bacterial growth was observed at 18 hours for 57% (8 of 14) of soap dispenser samples. Bacterial densities ranged from 4 × 10(2) to 6 × 10(9) colony-forming units per milliliter. Original commercial containers exhibited no growth. Isolates were identified as Raoultella (Klebsiella) planticola.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to the authors' knowledge indicating recovery of R. planticola from antimicrobial liquid soap dispensers. R. planticola is a recognized environmental opportunistic pathogen that potentially poses a health concern.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

These findings indicate compliance problems with infection prevention recommendations and support the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation that dispensers should not be topped off. High bacterial loads of R. planticola are inconsistent with infection control practices and are a concern because transmission and possible infection to the health care worker or the patient may occur.

Combination of Tigecycline and Levofloxacin for Successful Treatment of Nosocomial Pneumonia Caused by New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase-1-Producing Raoultella planticola

Raoultella planticola is a gram-negative bacterium that rarely causes diseases in humans. Here, we present a case of hospital-acquired pneumonia caused by R. planticola that likely originated in the gastrointestinal tract. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second report describing the detection of the gene New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase-1 (bla_NDM-1) in multidrug-resistant R. planticola. Clinical samples were collected for bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing from a patient during hospitalization. The presence of bla_NDM-1 was detected by PCR and sequencing. An NDM-1-positive R. planticola was isolated from the sputum and stool of the same patient. Further findings confirmed that bla_NDM-1 was located on a plasmid. Isolates from the sputum and stool cultures were identical, suggesting that the R. planticola may have originated in the gastrointestinal tract. The patient completely recovered and was discharged after treatment with tigecycline combined with levofloxacin, for a week. In conclusion, R. planticola is a possibly underestimated pathogen that contributes to the spread of the bla_NDM-1 gene. Early and precise identification of this pathogen can lead to better prognosis of the associated infections and an improved approach to controlling the spread of carbapenemase-resistant gram-negative bacteria.

Fatal pancreatic pseudocyst co-infected by Raoultella planticola: an emerging pathogen

Raoultella planticola is an aerobic Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. Initially identified in the 1980s, its pathogenic potential was further recognized when the first case of bacteremia was reported. Since then, only a few infections caused by this pathogen have been described. Although considered an opportunistic agent, fatal outcomes are associated with the infection by this pathogen, since it is more prevalent among the patients with immunodeficiency. The authors report the case of a middle-aged man diagnosed with end-stage renal disease and alcoholic pancreatitis, who was admitted to the emergency department with septic shock. Physical examination disclosed peritoneal irritation and a laparotomy was undertaken. Purulent peritonitis was found as well as a retroperitoneal abscess, which was drained. The postoperative period was troublesome, and the patient died. The autopsy showed a ruptured, infected pancreatic cyst and purulent peritonitis, among other findings. The culture of the peritoneal fluid and two blood sample sets were positive for R. planticola. The authors call attention to the importance of this emerging pathogen associated with severe gastrointestinal infections.

A rare cause of infection, Raoultella planticola: emerging threat and new reservoir for carbapenem resistance

BACKGROUND

Severe cases of infections caused by Raoultella planticola are constantly being reported from all over the world with the increase in drug-resistance patterns. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the clinical characteristics of R. planticola infections with patients' demographics and antimicrobial susceptibilities of the R. planticola isolates.

METHODS

R. planticola isolates were retrospectively evaluated. VITEK 2^® automated system was used for identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Verification of the low-discriminated isolates was analyzed with MALDI-TOF method using VITEK MS^® system. Gene-Xpert^® system was used for detection of bla _IMP-1-, bla _KPC-, bla _NDM-1-, bla _OXA-48- and bla _VIM-type carbapenemases. The data of the patients with R. planticola infection were collected from hospital records.

RESULT

During the 4-year period, 42 episodes of R. planticola infections were detected. MALDI-TOF was used for 11 of the low-discriminated isolates, and 1 of which identified as R. terrigena was excluded. Carbapenems and aminoglycosides were the most effective antimicrobial agents. Extended spectrum beta-lactamases were detected in seven of the isolates. Three carbapenem-resistant isolates were detected as bla _OXA-48-type carbapenemase carrier. Nosocomial R. planticola infections constituted 80.9 % (n = 34) of the infections. Most common infections related with R. planticola were blood stream infections (n = 24) (p < 0.005). The presence of indwelling catheter and intensive care unit stay were the most common detected risk factors (p < 0.005). Diabetes mellitus and chronic renal insufficiency commonly accompanied the infections (p > 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Challenging infections caused by Raoultella spp., like those of multidrug resistant Klebsiella spp., will probably become a concern for clinicians as well as microbiologists . In literature, there were few cases, but we believe that the incidence of Raoultella spp. infections, which may result from misidentification, are more common than expected , and it is not unlikely that there will be a gradual increase and spread in multidrug-resistant isolates.

A Case of Pneumonia Caused by Raoultella planticola

Raoultella species are gram-negative, non-motile, aerobic bacilli that are primarily considered as environmental bacteria. Raoultella planticola is reportedly a rare cause of human infections. Also, the definite pathological mechanism of Raoultella planticola is currently unknown. We report a case of pneumonia caused by Raoultella planticola.

Raoultella planticola peritonitis in a patient on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

A 65-year-old man on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis was admitted with peritonitis. Empirical antibiotic therapy was initiated, and Raoultella planticola was identified in the peritoneal fluid culture. We treated the patient with intraperitoneally administered ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime according to the antibiotic susceptibility. His condition improved, and he was well treated with a 2-week antibiotic course.

Nosocomial pneumonia caused by carbapenem-resistant Raoultella planticola: a case report and literature review

Raoultella planticola is a rare opportunistic pathogen usually invaded immunocompromised patients and sometimes even causes fatal infections. Recently, there is growing concern about the emergence of carbapenem resistance in this species. Here, we describe one case of hospital-acquired pneumonia due to a carbapenem-resistant R. planticola (CRRP) co-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase and extended-spectrum β-lactamase. A literature review was performed to indicate the microbiological and clinical features of infections caused by CRRP.

Emerging pathogen: a case and review of Raoultella planticola

Raoultella planticola has been considered a relatively harmless Gram-negative bacteria, rarely associated with clinical infection. However, in recent years, the frequency at which severe infection by R. planticola and drug-resistant strains are reported in literature has increased. Here, we present one case of acute cholecystitis caused by R. planticola, and review all previously reported cases of the infection in an attempt to identify new trends in biological and clinical features of R. planticola infections.

A novel case of chronic conjunctivitis in a 58-year-old woman caused by Raoultella

A 58-year-old woman presented to eye emergency with a chronic conjunctivitis which was diagnosed by laboratory microbiological testing to be due to the environmental pathogen Raoultella planticola. The organism was sensitive to Chloramphenicol and the patient made a rapid recovery on these drops. This is the first report of this organism infecting the eye.

Acute prostatitis caused by Raoultella planticola in a renal transplant recipient: a novel case

We present a unique case of acute bacterial prostatitis caused by a very rare human pathogen, Raoultella planticola, in a renal allograft recipient 3.5 months post transplantation. Only a few cases of human infection by this pathogen have been reported worldwide. The present study reports the case of a 67-year-old man who was admitted to our transplant unit 3.5 months post transplantation with fever, dysuria, suprapubic pain, symptoms and signs of acute prostatitis, and elevated markers of inflammation and prostate-specific antigen. R. planticola was isolated in the urine culture. The patient was treated with ciprofloxacin (based on the antibiogram) and had a full recovery, with satisfactory renal function. To the best of our knowledge, this is not only the first reported case of R. planticola prostatitis, but also the first report of such an infection in a solid organ transplant recipient or in a patient on immunosuppressive medication.

First Report of bla(IMP-8) in Raoultella planticola

Two carbapenem-resistant Raoultella planticola clinical isolates were isolated from patients with pneumonia and Port-A catheter-related bacteremia, respectively, in Taiwan. These isolates remained susceptible to fluoroquinolone, aminoglycoside, and colistin. Though the two isolates had the same antibiogram, plasmidic carbapenemase blaIMP-8, class 1 integron cassette (dfrA12-orfF-aadA2), and qnrB2, they had different pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns, plasmid sizes, and outer membrane protein loss profiles. To our knowledge, this is the first report of blaIMP-8 found in R. planticola. Interestingly, blaIMP-8 is the most common carbapenemase found in Klebsiella pneumoniae in Taiwan. In the literature, carbapenemase genes in R. planticola in each country were also found in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in the same country.

Acute Fatal Peritonitis: A New Organism for Consideration

A 40-year-old man died suddenly and unexpectedly at home. His comorbid conditions included central diabetes insipidus, obesity, and hypertension. Autopsy revealed acute and chronic pancreatitis with an abscess and associated purulent peritonitis. Peritoneal fluid cultures grew Raoultella planticola and a light growth of Candida albicans. The organism isolated, R. planticola, is a waterborne bacterium with limited previous clinical isolates causing morbidity but no previously described mortality. Vitreous humor analysis demonstrated concomitant acute water intoxication complicating the decedent's diabetes insipidus. Discussion includes a review of the literature with a description of the eight previous cases of human infection with R. planticola, a recently described organism that was previously in the genus Klebsiella. The proposed fatal pathogenesis includes retrograde entry of the organism from the gastrointestinal tract via the pancreatic duct to the pancreas and subsequent peritonitis. This is the first reported fatality caused by this organism.

A novel case of Raoultella planticola urinary tract infection

Raoultella species are Gram-negative, non-motile bacilli primarily considered to be environmental bacteria (Bagley et al.; Curr Microbiol 6:105-109, 1981). R. planticola has rarely been documented as a cause of human infections and has never been reported to cause urinary tract infections. We report the first case of R. planticola cystitis.

A Rare Case of Cholecystitis Caused by Raoultella planticola

A 62-year-old female presented with right upper quadrant pain. Clinical examination and ultrasound scan were consistent with gallstones and acute cholecystitis. She received 3 days of intravenous Co-amoxiclav and was discharged with 5-days of oral antibiotics with arrangements to return for an elective cholecystectomy. This was performed 5 months later which revealed an inflamed gallbladder and a localised abscess secondary to gallbladder perforation. Fluid from the gallbladder was taken which cultured Raoultella planticola, a gram-negative, nonmotile environmental bacteria (Bagley et al. (1981)). This is the first report of biliary sepsis with a primary infection by R. planticola. This patient was treated with a 5-day course of oral Co-amoxiclav and made a full recovery.

Necrotizing fasciitis involving the chest and abdominal wall caused by Raoultella planticola

Background

Raoultella planticola was originally considered to be a member of environmental Klebsiella. The clinical significance of R. planticola is still not well known.

Case presentation

We describe the first case of necrotizing fasciitis involving the chest and abdominal wall caused by R. planticola. The identity of the organism was confirmed using 16S rRNA sequencing. The patient was successfully treated with the appropriate antibiotics combined with operative drainage and debridement.

Conclusions

R. planticola had been described as environmental species, but should be suspected in extensive necrotizing fasciitis after minor trauma in mild to moderate immunocompromised patients.