Multidrug-Resistant Elizabethkingia meningoseptica and Enterococcus faecium Infection in an Oncohematologic Patient

Abstract

BACKGROUND This case report describes a case of a 25-year-old man who underwent a surgical procedure and was subsequently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Following his immediate admission to a specialized hospital unit for hematology and hemotherapy to receive chemotherapy, he was found to have a concurrent infection with multidrug-resistant Elizabethkingia meningoseptica as well as Enterococcus faecium. Both isolates are commonly associated with healthcare-associated infections. CASE REPORT The patient described in this report underwent an exploratory laparotomy, which is an invasive surgical procedure, and was subsequently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia following a biopsy. Chemotherapy was initiated immediately, during which the patient developed clinical signs and symptoms of infection. Blood cultures revealed the presence of Enterococcus faecium, while urine cultures identified Elizabethkingia meningoseptica. The VITEK-2 antibiogram for both bacteria revealed a multidrug resistance profile. E-test performed for glycopeptides indicated high-level resistance, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) exceeding 256 µg/mL. Prophylactic antibiotic therapy was initiated and subsequently adjusted according to the culture and antibiogram results. CONCLUSIONS Use of proper aseptic techniques during medical procedures is essential. Patients with severely compromised immunity undergoing numerous procedures require strict isolation measures to prevent infections, which can make the difference between life and death. Early laboratory identification of pathogenic clones and their antimicrobial resistance profiles is crucial for timely etiological diagnosis. This helps prevent the spread of infections and hospital infection outbreaks.