Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a case of pyelonephritis and herbal therapy

J Altern Complement Med. 2014 Feb;20(2):142-4. doi: 10.1089/acm.2012.0864. Epub 2013 Jul 19.

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which was only susceptible to colistin, was isolated from the urine of a patient with pyelonephritis. The isolates were confirmed as class A Extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing isolates. A blaBEL allele was detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. The organisms were identified as ST235, serotype O11. Chinese herbal decoction was orally administered. The patient returned 8 days later with relief of symptoms. No P. aeruginosa was isolated from two urine samples taken after 1 week and 2 weeks from the end of herbal therapy. The case supports the notion that these Chinese herbs are useful in treating pyelonephritis caused by multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa. Chinese herbal medicine has allowed another choice of treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Pseudomonas Infections / drug therapy
  • Pseudomonas Infections / microbiology*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / isolation & purification
  • Pyelonephritis / drug therapy
  • Pyelonephritis / microbiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Plant Extracts