Wound infection caused by Non-Decarboxylated Leclercia: case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Non-Decarboxylated Leclercia is a rare opportunistic pathogen that can cause infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. Despite its low prevalence, its potential for antimicrobial resistance and association with postoperative and traumatic wounds necessitates further investigation. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 54-year-old male who developed a postoperative wound infection following trauma. Wound cultures identified Non-Decarboxylated Leclercia, and susceptibility testing guided treatment with a 14-day regimen of oxacillin and levofloxacin. The patient demonstrated full recovery, with normalization of inflammatory markers and resolution of symptoms. A systematic literature review identified 29 cases, 62.96% of which involved male patients. Trauma or surgery was the primary trigger (51.7%), and common symptoms included fever (48.3%) and abscess formation (34.5%). Antimicrobial resistance was observed in 34.5% of isolates, primarily to cephalosporins, penicillins, and sulfonamides. Combination therapy had a higher cure rate (52.0%) compared to monotherapy, and all deaths (10.3%) occurred in immunocompromised individuals. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights that Non-Decarboxylated Leclercia can cause significant infections in immunocompetent patients, particularly in the context of trauma or surgery. Individualized therapy based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing is essential to optimize outcomes. Early intervention and close monitoring are critical, especially in high-risk patients. Further research is warranted to elucidate resistance mechanisms and refine treatment strategies for this rare pathogen. CLINICAL TRIAL: Not applicable.