# A Unique Case Report of Leclercia adecarboxylata Causing Monomicrobial Neurosurgical Infections

## TL;DR

This paper reports two rare cases of Leclercia adecarboxylata causing neurosurgical infections in otherwise healthy patients, showing the bacteria can be a significant hospital-acquired pathogen.

## Contribution

The first documented cases of monomicrobial L. adecarboxylata neurosurgical infections in immunocompetent individuals.

## Key findings

- Two cases of L. adecarboxylata infections occurred after spinal surgery and ventricular drain placement.
- Both patients recovered fully with targeted antibiotic treatment and no long-term effects.
- The cases highlight the need for increased awareness of L. adecarboxylata as a potential nosocomial pathogen.

## Abstract

Leclercia adecarboxylata is an emerging gram-negative pathogen. Historically, it has primarily affected immunocompromised individuals and has mainly been isolated from polymicrobial infections. Yet, advances in diagnostic techniques have led to increased recognition of its incidence and clinical relevance. In this case series, two instances of monomicrobial L. adecarboxylata infections following neurosurgical procedures in immunocompetent patients are presented. The first case occurred after spinal laminectomy, and the other case caused external ventricular drain ventriculitis. Both patients responded well to targeted antibiotic therapy, with no sequela or recurrence of infection. These cases represent the first documented neurosurgical infections caused by L. adecarboxylata, highlighting the organism's potential as a nosocomial pathogen and underscoring the need for heightened clinical awareness and further investigation into its epidemiology to prevent further infections.