Acinetobacter ursingii Bacteremia From a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter in a Woman With Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Abstract

Background Hyperemesis gravidarum is defined as severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy associated with weight loss and dehydration if left untreated. Treatment will sometimes require the placement of a peripherally inserted central catheter line for the administration of intravenous antiemetics, total parenteral nutrition, and rehydration. Acinetobacter ursingii is a nonmotile, aerobic, gram-negative coccobacilli that are widespread in natural moist environments and are rarely isolated as a definitive human pathogen. Case We present a case of a previously healthy immunocompetent pregnant woman in the second trimester with a peripherally inserted central catheter line placed for the management of hyperemesis gravidarum who subsequently developed bacteremia with A. ursingii. The patient was treated with intravenous meropenem and oral ciprofloxacin. Conclusions Central catheters are a risk factor for sepsis with A. ursingii in immunocompetent pregnant women, and aggressive treatment with appropriate antibiotics should be implemented.