Atypical Presence of Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides in a Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

Abstract

Introduction: Leuconostoc species are gram-positive microorganisms typically isolated from dairy and brewing industries. Infections in humans are extremely rare. They are vaguely associated with patients who have co-morbidities and a history of antibiotic use. The rise of inadvertent microbiota complicates treatment delivery. Case Presentation: We report a rare case of Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides in a patient with a lower respiratory tract infection. The patient suffered from diffuse axonal injury with bilateral subdural hematoma following a road traffic accident. An emergency tracheostomy was performed, and the patient was managed conservatively. The patient developed symptoms clinically, such as fever, and radiographically exhibited bilateral lung infiltrates. Endotracheal aspirate samples were sent for microbiological evaluation. Conclusions: The bacterial culture was identified as L. pseudomesenteroides. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were verified. Antibiotics were administered empirically and intravenously until the patient achieved normal clinical status.