Infections Caused by Moellerella wisconsensis: A Case Report and a Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: Moellerella wisconsensis, a member of the family of Enterobacteriaceae, although isolated widely in nature, rarely causes infections in humans. Herein, we report a case of isolation of M. wisconsensis from pigtail end culture, urine culture and blood culture in a 76-year-old patient. Objective: To systematically address all the relevant information regarding M. wisconsensis through literature. Methods: We searched PubMed and Scopus databases up to January 2022 and performed a qualitative synthesis of published articles reporting infection from M. wisconsensis in humans. Results: We identified 25 records on PubMed and 43 additional records on Scopus. After removing duplicates, we examined in detail 15 articles. Ten studies with a total of 17 cases were included in our systematic review. Nine studies described isolated case reports, while 1 study described 8 cases. The origin of the infection was the alimentary tract in 9 cases, gallbladder in 4 cases, peritoneal cavity in 2 cases, respiratory tract in 1 case and hemodialysis catheter insertion site in 1 case. In 3 of the aforementioned cases M. wisconsensis was also isolated in blood cultures. Conclusion: Physicians should be aware that M. wisconsensis can be present in multiple clinical specimens and that the antibiotic resistance profile of the isolates may pose significant challenges.

Microbiological Quality and Safety of Fresh Turkey Meat at Retail Level, Including the Presence of ESBL-Producing Enterobacteriaceae and Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus

“…has been found in chicken meat by other authors [ 49 ]. Moellerella wisconsensis may cause infections in humans [ 61 ]. This bacterium has been isolated from wild birds [ 62 ] but its presence in turkey meat has not been previously reported.…”