Persistent bacteremia and psoas abscess caused by a lethal toxin-deficient Paeniclostridiumsordellii. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Varley, Cara D.; Rogers, Lisa M.; Dixon, Beverly REA.; Bernard, Sarah C.; Lacy, D. Borden; Sulpizio, Emilio; Aronoff, David M.; Townes, John M.
• Is Part Of: Anaerobe. Volume 75(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Clostridium sordellii -- Paeniclostridium sordellii -- Bacteremia -- Gram-positive bacilli -- Clostridium species -- Bacterial toxin; Anaerobic infections -- Periodicals; Anaerobic bacteria -- Periodicals; Bacterial diseases -- Periodicals; Computer network resources; Anaerobic protozoa -- Periodicals; 579.3
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2022.102520
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1075-9964

Abstract

Abstract: We present a case of persistent bacteremia and psoas abscess from Paeniclostridium sordellii without severe symptoms or the classically associated toxic shock syndrome. Further laboratory evaluation demonstrated that the Paeniclostridium sordellii isolate lacked the lethal toxin gene and there was no cytotoxicity to exposed Vero cells. Highlights: P. sordellii is a gram-positive, spore-forming bacillus able to grow on solid or liquid media under strict anaerobic conditions. The 6 distinct features of P. sordellii toxic shock syndrome include: ○ absence of fever ○ leukemoid reaction ○ refractory hypotension ○ tachycardia ○ hemoconcentration ○ profound capillary leak Lethal and hemorrhagic toxin are thought to be responsible for the virulence of P. sordellii. P. sordellii infection without severe symptoms is rare. Less severe clinical presentations have been reported in infections with P. sordellii isolates lacking lethal toxin. Our P. sordellii isolate lacked the lethal toxin gene and did not cause cytotoxicity to exposed Vero cells.