Community-acquired pulmonary infection caused by Bordetella hinzii: An under-recognized pathogen.

INTRODUCTION

Bordetella hinzii is an emerging Gram-negative pathogen increasingly recognized in humans, especially in patients with chronic lung disease.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A 70-year-old woman with a single lung and recurrent fungal infections presented with progressive respiratory symptoms. Sputum samples were analyzed, and identification was attempted using routine automated systems and confirmed with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed based on MIC determination, current EUCAST guidance for organisms lacking species-specific breakpoints, and comparison with previously reported data.

RESULTS

The isolate was multidrug-resistant, susceptible only to meropenem. The patient improved after a 14-day course of intravenous meropenem. Routine automated systems failed to identify the pathogen.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the under-recognition of B. hinzii in clinical laboratories and the importance of advanced diagnostic methods and surveillance in vulnerable populations.