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

<i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> 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 <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i>. 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 <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> 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.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2024-10-17
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.71704
Citations
2
Primary Topic
Bacillus and Francisella bacterial research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.47
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article

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

Hyunwoo Kim, Razan Dankar, Salim Barakat, Chadik Hewlett
2 citations
Cureus
Bacillus and Francisella bacterial research
0.47
article

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

Hyunwoo Kim, Razan Dankar, Salim Barakat, Chadik Hewlett
article en
2 citations

Abstract

<i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> 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 <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i>. 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 <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> 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.

CureusVol. 16(10)
Touro College (US), Staten Island University Hospital (US)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 35%
Bacillus and Francisella bacterial research
0.47
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