Pantoea dispersa Causing Bacteremia and Endocarditis in an Immunocompromised Adult: A Rare Case

Abstract

Gram-negative rods, namely, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., are the most common causative agents of bacteremia. The genus Pantoea, another group of Gram-negative rods, is a relatively uncommon cause of bacteremia. Our literature review revealed only eight other cases of Pantoea dispersa infection in humans. In an otherwise healthy patient, Pantoea bacteremia is often transient and can be cleared with host immune defenses. Clearing of the bacteria may be complicated by an immunosuppressed state and infection with nidus. This is a case of bacteremia and endocarditis caused by Pantoea dispersa in an immunocompromised 75-year-old female.

Keywords: gram-negative bacteremia; immunocompromised patient; indolent; infective endocarditis; nidus; north america; novel presentation; pantoea dispersa.