Catheter-related bacteriemia by Cupriavidus spp. is a rare condition with very few cases reported in the literature. Most of them occurred in immunocompromised patients.
Objective: To report a case of recurrent catheter-related bacteriemia by Cupriavidus pauculus in an immunocompromised infant in order to analyze possible therapeutic options, especially in relation to the need or not for central venous catheter (CVC) removal.
Clinical case: 22-month-old infant with B-cell acute lymphoblas tic leukemia (ALL) in reinduction phase, CVC carrier. He presented to the Emergency Room with fever without focus on examination. Blood tests were performed (without increase of acute phase reactants) and differential blood cultures (peripheral and CVC). He was hospitalized and empirical antibiotic therapy was started with intravenous fourth-generation cephalosporin (cefepime). After 24 hours, blood cultures were positive for Cupriavidus pauculus, growing first in the CVC culture. We maintained cefepime, adding catheter lock therapy with ciprofloxacin. Afterward, the infection was resolved, allowing us to keep the CVC. Seven months later, in the context of fever, Cupriavidus pauculus was again identified in CVC blood culture. We decided this time to remove the catheter, in addition to the administration of intravenous cefepime. The patient has not presented new episodes nine months after de removal of the CVC.
Conclusion: Catheter-related bacteremia by Cupriavidus is a rare condition in children that usually occurs in immunocompromised patients. Catheter lock therapy associated with systemic antibiotics could be a safe option in patients with difficult CVC re moval. However, if persistent colonization of the CVC is suspected, it may be necessary to remove it.