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VOLUME 20 , ISSUE 2 ( July-December, 2018 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

A case report of Shewanella algae wound infection in Kanchipuram, South India: An emerging pathogen

Abirami Lakshmy Jayachandran, Sangeetha Vilwanathan, Balan Kandasamy, Sheila Doris Devamani

Keywords : Identification, Road Traffic Accident, Shewanella spp

Citation Information : Jayachandran AL, Vilwanathan S, Kandasamy B, Devamani SD. A case report of Shewanella algae wound infection in Kanchipuram, South India: An emerging pathogen. 2018; 20 (2):114-116.

DOI: 10.4103/jacm.jacm_25_17

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 17-08-2024

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2018; Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd.


Abstract

Shewanella are Gram-negative non-fermentative oxidase-positive saprophytic bacteria producing H2S. Although rarely associated with infection, they are seldom associated with skin and soft-tissue infections, abscesses, wound infection, osteomyelitis, intracranial infections, peritonitis, neonatal infections and outbreak infections. A 24-year-old male presented with open wound over the dorsum of the right foot with exposed muscles and tendons five days following a road traffic accident (RTA) with pus discharge. X-ray of the right foot showed fracture third metatarsal. Wound swab culture showed the growth of Shewanella algae and Escherichia coli. S. algae was susceptible to Amikacin, Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime and Imipenem and resistant to Ciprofloxacin. The patient was treated with injection Amikacin, regular dressings, limb elevation and analgesics for 10 days. Tissue specimen from the wound was sent for culture after 10 days and was negative for bacterial growth. Open reduction and internal fixation with axial K-wire with plates and screw and split skin rafting was done. The patient responded well to the treatment, and follow-up was uneventful. In the present case, there was no history of contact with marine environment, and infection developed following RTA wound. Although S. algae is rarely isolated, clinicians must be aware of rare pathogens. The present case highlights the importance of Shewanella spp. as a potential emerging infectious agent.


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