We report a fatal case of Shewanella algae bacteremia accompanied by cellulitis in both legs of a chronic renal failure patient who had not been exposed to sea water or raw fish. A 47-year-old male on hemodialysis was admitted to our clinic due to pain in both legs accompanied by a febrile sensation that started 2 days prior to his visit. A blood culture specimen revealed S. algae, a rare human opportunistic pathogen. In spite of early and appropriate antimicrobial treatment, the patient died of septic shock on the second day of his hospital stay. Recently, serious infections caused by Shewanella species have been reported in increasing frequency. Hepatobiliary diseases have been proposed as predisposing factors, not only for infection by this organism, but also for fatality. However, we should be aware of the significance of S. algae in patients with renal insufficiency, especially those on maintenance hemodialysis. Herein, we report our case with review relevant literature.
Bacteremia ; Cellulitis ; Humans ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; Leg ; Length of Stay ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Renal Dialysis ; Renal Insufficiency ; Seawater ; Sensation ; Shewanella ; Shock, Septic