Clearance of Cellulosimicrobium cellulans bacteremia in a child without central venous catheter removal

Abstract

Cellulosimicrobium cellulans (formerly known as Oerskovia xanthineolytica) rarely causes human infection. Infections have been reported in immunocompromised hosts or in patients with foreign bodies, such as catheters, where treatment has generally involved removal of the foreign body. We report on a case in which the organism was isolated in multiple blood cultures from a 13-year-old male. After initial therapy failed, treatment with vancomycin and rifampin resulted in infection clearance without removal of the central venous catheter.

FIG. 1.

Cellulosimicrobium cellulans Gram stain from positive aerobic blood culture bottle.

FIG. 2.

Cellulosimicrobium cellulans Gram stain from colony isolated on sheep blood agar.

FIG. 3.

Cellulosimicrobium cellulans growth on 5% sheep blood agar plate after 48 h of growth, 35°C, under aerobic conditions.