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Bacillus thuringiensis Bacteremia in a 30-Year-Old Intravenous Drug User: A Report of a Rare Case

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Bacillus thuringiensis is a gram-positive bacterium used in agriculture, with rare human infections that typically occur in immunocompromised individuals through environmental exposure. This report discusses the case of a 30-year-old intravenous drug user and polysubstance abuser who developed bacteremia due to Bacillus thuringiensis. The patient originally presented with fever and leg ulcers from injection sites, and he was successfully treated with vancomycin. This case underscores the importance of recognizing atypical pathogens like Bacillus thuringiensis in intravenous drug users, particularly when contaminated drug paraphernalia is involved. Although generally low in virulence, this bacterium can cause systemic infections under certain conditions. Prompt identification and treatment are crucial to prevent complications, highlighting the need for increased clinical awareness and appropriate microbiological investigations in this vulnerable population.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.71704

Authors: Salim Barakat, Hyunwoo Kim, Razan Dankar, Chadik Hewlett

Institutions: Northwell Health, Staten Island University Hospital, Touro College

Language: English

Topic: Bacillus and Francisella bacterial research

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4403487219