Providencia rettgeri infection complicating cranial surgery: illustrative cases

BACKGROUND: Providencia rettgeri is a rare cause of nosocomial infection in humans. These organisms are capable of biofilm production and are intrinsically resistant to commonly used antibiotics, leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality. P. rettgeri may very rarely cause postneurosurgical infection. OBSERVATIONS: In this report, the authors describe two patients in whom P. rettgeri infection complicated the postoperative course. Both the patients underwent craniotomy at approximately the same time under similar environments. The organism isolated was resistant to most of the commonly used antibiotics, and therapy tailored to the results of susceptibility testing led to resolution of infection in both cases. LESSONS: P. rettgeri is a rare cause of postneurosurgical nosocomial infection. Timely identification and early tailoring of antibiotic therapy based on susceptibility testing is the key to treatment. Every effort should be made to identify the source of infection and rectify it so that mortality, morbidity, and financial burden are reduced. Contact isolation and use of sterile gloves after each patient contact are effective in preventing its spread, as in most cases of nosocomial infection.