When good bacteria behave badly: a case report of Bacillus clausii sepsis in an immunocompetant adult

Abstract

Reports of unusual microorganisms causing human infections are on the rise due to transitions in epidemiological trends. Commensal/normal flora which are otherwise termed as ‘good bacteria’ are now causing infections in different group of patients, mostly immunocompromised individuals. Various host and environmental factors play a pivotal role in microbial transmigration from their normal habitat into the blood and other body sites. We report one such ‘good bacterium’ associated with sepsis in a patient who was given the same bacterium in the form of probiotics.

A tale of caution: prolonged Bacillus clausii bacteraemia after probiotic use in an immunocompetent child

“…The reason for bacteraemia lasting more than 100 days, while on combined antimicrobial therapy, is unknown. The evaluation did not reveal any previously undiagnosed co-morbidity, as seen in previously reported cases [10–13]. Our suspicion for an intravascular source or immunocompromised state was low, given negative comprehensive workup, haemodynamic stability and rapid symptom resolution.…”

“… B. clausii bacteraemia has been previously described in only a few patients with underlying illnesses [10–13]. A 5-month-old child with congenital heart disease and malnutrition developed recurrent B.…”

“…Lastly, an adult diabetic patient, who had received antibiotics and probiotics for a surgical-site infection, developed B. clausii bacteraemia that resolved after 2 weeks with teicoplanin [13].…”

“…We identified seven prior cases of B. clausii bacteraemia occurring in patients with underlying co-morbidities () [10–13].…”

Nutraceuticals in the Prevention of Viral Infections, including COVID-19, among the Pediatric Population: A Review of the Literature

“…Some probiotic strains also seem able to modify inflammatory processes of an allergic nature, according to the observations of studies, even in the medium-term [ 34 , 35 ]. Furthermore, recently, beneficial effects have been highlighted on the use of probiotics, also and especially in immunocompromised patients [ 36 , 37 , 38 ]. Regarding COVID-19, experience with other viral strains, such as influenza, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus, has led some to conclude that probiotic supplementation can be considered for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection.…”