Enterococcus hiraeBacteremia Associated with Acute Pancreatitis and Septic Shock

Abstract

Infection withEnterococcus hiraehas rarely been reported in humans but is not uncommon in mammals and birds. We describe a case ofEnterococcus hiraebacteremia associated with acute pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis, and septic shock responsive to antibiotic therapy and supportive critical care management. Unique aspects of this case ofEnterococcus hiraebacteremia are its association with acute pancreatitis and its geographical origin. To our knowledge, this is the first report ofEnterococcus hiraebacteremia occurring in a patient in the United States. Although human infection with this organism appears to be rare, all cases reported to date describe bacteremia associated with severe and life-threatening illness. Thus, physicians need to be cognizant of the clinical significance of this heretofore little recognized pathogen.