A Line Full of Lessons: A “Sake Lees”-Like Mass Revealing Bacillus cereus Contamination in an Amino Acid Infusion

<i>Bacillus cereus</i> (<i>B. cereus</i>) is a known cause of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in healthcare settings, with increased risk observed in immunocompromised patients and those receiving amino acid-based parenteral nutrition. This condition is typically identified by local signs at the catheter insertion site and positive blood cultures. We report a case of an elderly hospitalized patient in whom an unusual visual finding, whitish, turbid, "sake-lees"-like crystalline aggregates within the infusion line, contributed to the diagnosis of <i>B. cereus</i>-associated CRBSIs. This case underscores the potential routes of <i>B. cereus</i> contamination in the medical environment and highlights the importance of rigorous infection control practices during infusion preparation and catheter-related procedures for hospitalized patients.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-01-05
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.100819
Primary Topic
Bacillus and Francisella bacterial research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

A Line Full of Lessons: A “Sake Lees”-Like Mass Revealing Bacillus cereus Contamination in an Amino Acid Infusion

Hajime Tsuboi, Fumio Iwane, Shu Toda
Cureus
Bacillus and Francisella bacterial research
article

A Line Full of Lessons: A “Sake Lees”-Like Mass Revealing Bacillus cereus Contamination in an Amino Acid Infusion

Hajime Tsuboi, Fumio Iwane, Shu Toda
article en

Abstract

<i>Bacillus cereus</i> (<i>B. cereus</i>) is a known cause of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in healthcare settings, with increased risk observed in immunocompromised patients and those receiving amino acid-based parenteral nutrition. This condition is typically identified by local signs at the catheter insertion site and positive blood cultures. We report a case of an elderly hospitalized patient in whom an unusual visual finding, whitish, turbid, "sake-lees"-like crystalline aggregates within the infusion line, contributed to the diagnosis of <i>B. cereus</i>-associated CRBSIs. This case underscores the potential routes of <i>B. cereus</i> contamination in the medical environment and highlights the importance of rigorous infection control practices during infusion preparation and catheter-related procedures for hospitalized patients.

CureusVol. 18(1)
Memorial Hospital (US)
Zero hunger
Openalex Percentile: Top 97%
Bacillus and Francisella bacterial research
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