Survival of community-acquired Bacillus cereus sepsis with venous sinus thrombosis in an immunocompetent adult man – a case report and literature review

Abstract

Background Bacillus cereus infections in immunocompetent patients are uncommon and mainly observed in fragile patients. It can cause lethal infections with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). However, a patient presenting as venous sinus thrombosis and survival without sequela has not been reported. Case presentation A 20-year-old previously healthy male developed gastroenteritis after a meal, followed by fever, convulsions, and severe disturbance of consciousness. The patient had significant leukocytosis with a mildly elevated D-dimer, creatinine level, and respiratory failure. The CT(computed tomography) revealed fatal brain edema and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Previous blood culture in a local hospital revealed B. cereus, which was confirmed by mNGS(metagenomic next-generation sequencing) using blood and urine in our hospital. Accordingly, B. cereus sepsis with MODS were considered. Later, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis was proved. After anti-infection (linezolid 0.6 g, Q12h; and meropenem 1.0 g, Q8h), anti-coagulant (enoxaparin 6000U, Q12h), and other symptomatic treatments, the patient recovered completely without sequela at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions This case suggests that in immunocompetent adults, there is still a risk of infection with B. cereus, causing severe MODS. Special attention should be paid to venous sinus thrombosis and subarachnoid hemorrhage in such cases, while, anti-coagulant is essential therapy.

Thrombus Tango: Hypercoagulable State With a Right Atrial Mass and Superimposed Persistent Bacteremia

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A Genomic Analysis of the Bacillus Bacteriophage Kirovirus kirovense Kirov and Its Ability to Preserve Milk

“…For this reason, B. cereus s.l. is among the leading bacterial species that causes food poisoning outbreaks [ 1 ] and in certain severe cases, it can lead to endocarditis [ 4 ], endophthalmitis [ 5 ], and even death [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Regarding food products, B. cereus s.l.…”