[Urinary Tract Infections Caused by Community-Acquired Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in a Level III Hospital - A Retrospective Study]

INTRODUCTION

The emergence of β-lactamases producing bacteria is a problem worldwide, with increasing importance in communityacquired infections, especially in urinary tract infections. Data regarding the use of non-carbapenem antimicrobials in these infections are scarce. The aim of this study was to analyse the treatment and outcome of urinary tract infections caused by community-acquired β-lactamase-producing bacteria in children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study performed in a level III paediatric hospital, between June 2007 and December 2017. All children with β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae identified in aseptically collected urine culture were included.

RESULTS

A total of 175 urinary infections caused by β-lactamases producing bacteria were diagnosed, 34 (19%) were community-acquired: 25 Escherichia coli (74%), 4 Klebsiella pneumoniae (12%), 4 Proteus mirabilis (12%) and 1 Proteus vulgaris (3%). In 30 (88%) cases, it was the first urinary infection. After identification of the microorganism and antimicrobial susceptibility, 33 (97%) children were re-evaluated and 24 (71%) had a repeat urine culture, which was positive in three (13%). In six (18%) cases, antibiotic treatment was modified. Four (12%) children had another UTI in the following month. In 30 (88%) children, imaging was carried out, with no nephrourological malformations detected.

DISCUSSION

In the last decade, about 20% of urinary infections caused by β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae were community-acquired with a relatively stable number of cases over the years. No nephro-urological malformations were identified in these children.

CONCLUSION

Although the number of cases is small, the clinical and microbiological outcomes showed that most were successfully treated with non-carbapenem antibiotics, with low recurrence of new episodes of urinary tract infections.

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.