SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Unusual Neisseria Species Causing Bacteremia in Acute Transplant Rejection Patient

Pdf Summary

This case report describes a rare bloodstream infection caused by <em>Neisseria sicca</em> in a 51-year-old woman with long-term immunosuppression after pancreatic and renal transplant. She presented with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and was found to have acute cellular rejection of her kidney transplant, uremic acidemia, and nonspecific bilateral infiltrates on chest X-ray. Because of her immunocompromised state, blood cultures were obtained and broad-spectrum antibiotics started. She also required placement of a left femoral hemodialysis catheter and initiation of hemodialysis.

Several days later, blood cultures grew gram-negative bacteria identified as <em>Neisseria sicca</em>. A transesophageal echocardiogram showed no endocarditis. Antibiotics were narrowed to intravenous ceftriaxone for 14 days, and the femoral catheter was removed as a possible source of infection. Her bacteremia resolved, and she was discharged home.

The report emphasizes that <em>N. sicca</em> is usually a nasopharyngeal colonizer and rarely causes invasive disease, likely because it lacks some major virulence factors seen in <em>N. meningitidis</em> and <em>N. gonorrhoeae</em>. However, invasive infection can occur in immunosuppressed patients, especially those with indwelling catheters. The authors also note that bacteremia in kidney transplant recipients is associated with worse graft and patient outcomes, making prompt diagnosis and treatment essential. In transplant patients with bacteremia, at least 14 days of appropriate antibiotics is recommended.

Asset Subtitle

Sara Hassan

Meta Tag

Author List Keir F. MacKay, Margaret Beliveau, Nosher Ali, Sara Hassan, Waseem Ahmad

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Neisseria sicca

Concept Bacteremia

Concept Immunocompromised State

Concept Solid Organ Transplant

Concept Blood Culture

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Ocean University Medical Center

Presenting Author Sara Hassan

Track Adult

Keywords

Neisseria sicca

bacteremia

bloodstream infection

immunosuppression

kidney transplant

pancreatic transplant

hemodialysis catheter

ceftriaxone

acute cellular rejection

transplant recipient

Neisseria sicca

Bacteremia

Immunocompromised State

Solid Organ Transplant

Blood Culture