Work

Community-acquired pulmonary infection caused by Bordetella hinzii: An under-recognized pathogen

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Bordetella hinzii is an emerging Gram-negative pathogen increasingly recognized in humans, especially in patients with chronic lung disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 70-year-old woman with a single lung and recurrent fungal infections presented with progressive respiratory symptoms. Sputum samples were analyzed, and identification was attempted using routine automated systems and confirmed with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed based on MIC determination, current EUCAST guidance for organisms lacking species-specific breakpoints, and comparison with previously reported data. RESULTS: The isolate was multidrug-resistant, susceptible only to meropenem. The patient improved after a 14-day course of intravenous meropenem. Routine automated systems failed to identify the pathogen. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the under-recognition of B. hinzii in clinical laboratories and the importance of advanced diagnostic methods and surveillance in vulnerable populations.

Source: Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease

DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2026.117383

Authors: Lara Vasconcelos, Isabel Gonçalves, Gabriela Jorge da Silva, António Fernandes, Tiago Lima

Institutions: University of Coimbra, Centro de Medicina Laboratorial Germano de Sousa (Portugal), Centro de Neurociências e Biologia Celular, Centro de Inovação em Biomedicina e Biotecnologia

Language: English

Topic: Infections and bacterial resistance

Subfield: Endocrinology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,290