Infections associated with bacteria of the genus Elizabethkingia in children with cystic fibrosis and operated on due to congenital heart defects: microbiological features and clinical significance

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Bacteria of the genus Elizabethkingia are gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria found throughout the world. The main reservoir for representatives of this genus is water and soil. Despite this, more and more clinical data are emerging indicating the role of these representatives in the development of nosocomial and community-acquired infections, most often sepsis and meningitis. Risk groups include newborns, children, the elderly, patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and people with immunodeficiencies. Infections associated with Elizabethkingia spp. are generally associated with high mortality rates (18.2-41%) and are most often observed in neonates and immunocompromised patients. Members of the genus Elizabethkingia are naturally resistant to many of the antibiotics traditionally prescribed for infections with gram-negative bacteria. Timely diagnosis and early initiation of appropriate combination therapy are critical in the treatment of such infections. During the period 2018-2023. Isolation of bacteria of the genus Elizabethkingia was observed from biological material obtained from children with CF and 8 newborn children with a cardiac profile who underwent life-saving surgery due to the presence of congenital heart defects. Bacteria of the genus Elizabethkingia were isolated from 15 patients with CF, of which repeat cultures were noted in five patients; 28 strains were identified during the specified period. Of these, in 2018 and 2020 there were 2 strains each, 2019-13, 2021-6 and 2022-5 strains. In the examined newborns, isolation of these bacteria was detected in 4 patients in 2021, in 3 patients in 2022, and in one patient in 2023, respectively. Bacteria of the genus Elizabethkingia are relatively new and poorly studied pathogens of nosocomial infections associated with a high risk of complications and mortality in premature newborns and immunocompromised patients, which requires increased attention from both medical microbiologists and clinicians of various profiles.