Hospital-acquired Sphingomonas paucimobilis Infection in a Neonate: A Case Report

Introduction: The organism Sphingomonas paucimobilis formerly known as Pseudomonas paucimobilis is a strict aerobe, motile, non-spore forming, non-fermentative, Gram-negative bacillus, characterized by catalase and oxidase activities. It is an opportunistic pathogen that causes infection in healthy and immunocompromised individuals. Sphingomonas paucimobilis is ubiquitous and has been isolated from diverse sources including the hospital environment.

Presentation of Case: We describe the clinical characteristics, manifestations, laboratory findings and management of hospital-acquired Sphingomonas paucimobilis sepsis in a neonate, delivered through caesarean section and brought in from postnatal ward to special care baby unit of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.

Discussion: The laboratory findings showed normal values for complete blood count, electrolytes, urea and creatinine but positive blood culture. Sphingomonas paucimobilis isolated from the blood was susceptible to Imipenem, Ampicilin-sulbatam, Azithromycin, Lincomycin, Ofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin and Sparfloxacin but resistant to Cefuroxime, Ceftazidime, Augumentin and Ampicillin. The isolation of this organism from the newborn whose laboratory tests were within normal acceptable values, and from the hospital environment is a case of hospital-acquired infection. The patient recovered and was discharged because of adequate treatment by the managing team and also low virulence of this organism.

Conclusion: The study thereby recommends adequate and consistent cleaning of the newborn and maternity units of the hospital, in particular, the entire hospital equipment and its environment using a potent disinfectant to minimize the risk of hospital-acquired infections.