Shewanella putrefaciens: A Critically Emerging Pathogen of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

Shewanella putrefaciens is a critically emerging cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). S. putrefaciens is an oxidase-positive, nonfermenting, hydrogen-sulfide-producing, gram-negative bacillus. Worldwide, there have been six reported cases of pneumonia and two reported cases of VAP, both caused by S. putrefaciens. In this study, we discuss the case of a 59-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with altered mental status and acute respiratory distress. He was intubated for airway protection. Eight days following intubation, the patient developed symptoms consistent with VAP, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) revealed S. putrefaciens, an emerging nosocomial and opportunistic pathogen, as the causative agent. The patient was treated with cefepime with the resolution of symptoms.