A Case of Sepsis by a Rare Pathogen Delftia acidovorans in a Patient Undergoing Chemotherapy

Abstract

Patients undergoing chemotherapy for any malignant disease are at a higher risk of developing central line related blood stream infection, as a result of lack of proper care of the central line used for giving chemotherapy. Here, a case of sepsis by an unusual pathogen Delftia acidovorans is shown in a 29-year-old female patient undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer with no other related co-morbidities and family history. On investigation, elevated procalcitonin showed presence of bacterial sepsis. Despite of empirical antimicrobial therapy, the patient showed features of continued sepsis. Blood specimens were taken and sent as paired sets of BACTEC blood culture bottles. This was identified as Delftia acidovorans which is rarely known to cause central line related blood stream infection and has a ubiquitous presence and cause infection mostly in immunocompromised patients. Empirical therapy was continued in the patient but could not be revived because of sudden episode of bradycardia. This report highlights the significance of appropriate diagnosis and treatment of such rare pathogen as a causative pathogen for sepsis. In this report, authors also emphasise the need of education of patients and healthcare providers for proper care of any chemoport inserted to avoid incidence of central line associated blood stream infection.