Catheter-associated sepsis caused by Ochrobactrum anthropi: report of a case and review of related nonfermentative bacteria

Abstract

Ochrobactrum anthropi, formerly known as CDC group Vd, is an oxidase-producing, gram-negative, non-lactose-fermenting bacillus that oxidizes glucose and grows readily on MacConkey agar. Only occasionally isolated from human clinical specimens, this organism has rarely been found to be pathogenic. We describe the first reported case of infection due to O. anthropi in a child, that of bacteremia in a 3-year-old girl undergoing chemotherapy for retinoblastoma. In addition, we review the literature concerning cases of infection due to this and closely related bacterial species, namely Alcaligenes xylosoxidans subspecies xylosoxidans, Agrobacterium radiobacter, and "Achromobacter" group B. Finally, we attempt to clarify the confusing history and taxonomy of these organisms as well as make recommendations regarding antimicrobial therapy for infections caused by them.