Deep Brain Stimulator Infection by Oligella: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Oligella is a commensal bacteria genus of the human urinary tract that rarely precipitates clinical infections. We report the case of an asymptomatic 24-year-old male with a medical history of Tourette syndrome and the recent placement of deep brain stimulator leads, which were found to be co-infected with Oligella species during hardware implantation. This is the first reported case of a deep brain stimulator infection by Oligella, a potentially under-recognized and emerging opportunistic bacteria. We review the previously published cases of extra-genitourinary Oligella infections and detail the clinical management of this uncommon pathogen.

The First Lethal Infection by Oligella ureolytica: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…On the other hand, Oligella ureolytica, another member of the genus Oligella previously known as group CDC IVe, is a Gram-negative, aerobic, motile bacterium with peritrichous flagella of the genus Oligella, most isolated from human urine, especially in contexts of ongoing neoplasia and urinary obstruction when patients require long-term urinary catheters or other urinary drainage catheters [3]. O. ureolytica is characterized by its ability to produce urease, an enzyme that hydrolyses urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, thereby contributing to its survival and colonization and leading to its implication in a variety of infections, including urinary tract infections, wound infections, and respiratory tract infections [2]. This clinical case presents an 87-year-old woman who was admitted to the hospital with a deteriorating general condition, weight loss (associated with severe malnutrition), and a septic syndrome (of urinary origin and suspected of being associated with bladder cancer, but this was not confirmed due to the absence of further investigations).…”

“…As these bacteria are known for their metabolic versatility, particularly their ability to metabolize a wide range of organic compounds, they are found in both the environment and in clinical settings, where they can act as opportunistic pathogens. The Oligella genus, so named because of the small size of the bacilli on Gram stain, has been isolated from a variety of clinical samples and associated with infections such as those of the urinary tract, encompassing several species, including Oligella urethralis and Oligella ureolytica [ 2 ]. These bacteria have attracted attention due to their clinical importance and their association with various infections in humans.…”

“…Understanding the characteristics and distinctions between these species is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management of Oligella -related infections. Oligella urethralis , formerly classified as Moraxella urethralis or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) group M-4, is a species of the genus Oligella that causes urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and septicemia [ 2 ]. On the other hand, Oligella ureolytica , another member of the genus Oligella previously known as group CDC IVe, is a Gram-negative, aerobic, motile bacterium with peritrichous flagella of the genus Oligella , most isolated from human urine, especially in contexts of ongoing neoplasia and urinary obstruction when patients require long-term urinary catheters or other urinary drainage catheters [ 3 ].…”