Gram-negative sepsis caused by a rare pathogen Phytobacter ursingii

This case reviews the clinical course of an elderly woman on chronic total parenteral nutrition who developed sepsis secondary to a rare, newly described gram-negative rod known as Phytobacter ursingii. The patient noticed a leak in her Hickman catheter when infusing her nutrition. 24 hours after a new catheter was replaced, the patient developed fevers, chills and weakness. She presented to the hospital with hypotension and tachycardia, meeting shock criteria. Blood cultures grew P. ursingii, and the diagnosis of septic shock was confirmed. Susceptibilities informed antibiotic coverage, and she ultimately improved within the next 48 hours.