Introduction: Community-acquired (CA) carbapenem-susceptible Acinetobacter baumannii (CSAB) enterogenic sepsis is very rare but has a high mortality. Although CA A. baumannii bloodstream infections have been known to develop from respiratory tract, urinary tract, and intravenous device-related infections, CA A. baumannii bloodstream infections from the gastrointestinal tract have not yet been reported.
Patient concerns: A 73-year-old male with the chief presentation of gastrointestinal symptoms was initially diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis and showed poor clinical response to empirical antibiotic therapy.
Diagnoses: The diagnosis of CSAB enterogenic sepsis was established based on results of blood culture, elevated serum procalcitonin level, and specific hemodynamic changes related to septic shock.
Interventions: The patient initially received empirical antibiotic treatment (cefodizime 2.0 q12 hours plus moxifloxacin 0.4 qd); then, treatment was changed to the conventional dose of carbapenem (imipenem 0.5 q6 hour).
Outcomes: Finally, CSAB was eliminated from the bloodstream, and the patient was discharged.
Lessons: Although severe, CA CSAB enterogenic sepsis is often misdiagnosed because of its clinical rarity. Early diagnosis and appropriate initial empirical antibiotic therapy are crucial for treating such cases.