Asymptomatic catheter related Rhizobium radiobacter infection in a haploidentical hemapoetic stem cell recipient

Abstract

Catheter-related infections are reported as one of the most common sources of nosocomial infections. Rhizobium radiobacter infections manifest with fever and leucocytosis. Here, a 14-month-old girl diagnosed as T (-) B (-) NK (+) severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is presented. She had received repeated (x3) unconditioned haploidentical hematopoetic stem cell transplantations. During the follow-up, she was diagnosed with asymptomatic infection with R. radiobacter, which was isolated from the central venous catheter and peripheral blood while she was clinically stable, free of symptoms, fever or leucocytosis. She was treated successfully with cefepim and amicasin and did not require catheter removal. This case illustrates the importance of obtaining blood cultures on a regular basis from all patients with an intravascular device, even when they are asymptomatic. © 2010 Cipe et al.