Sepsis Due to Achromobacter xylosoxidans in a Tertiary Care Centre: Case Series

Achromobacter xylosoxidans, also known as Alcaligenes xylosoxidans, is a low-virulence, non-fermenter gram-negative bacillus mainly found in marine environments. We report a detailed series of four high-risk cases of septicemia with the common variable of positive blood cultures for A. xylosoxidans. All four blood isolates were multi-drug resistant and susceptible to meropenem and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Two patients responded well to the treatment with meropenem and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and two patients died. It should never be assumed that Achromobacter is a contaminant even though it is relatively infrequently isolated from clinical samples. This infection can progress to fatal bacteremia, even in otherwise healthy people, and it can potentially cause severe conditions in premature infants. With only a limited number of antibiotics demonstrating bactericidal properties, the possibility of failure in empirical treatment is significant. As a result, it is important to have a precise comprehension of this uncommon yet deadly illness in order to increase the probability of successful treatment.