# Unprecedented Polymicrobial Bacteremia With Nine Microorganisms in a Critically Ill 95% Burn Patient

## TL;DR

A 21-year-old with severe burns developed bloodstream infections from nine different bacteria, highlighting the challenges in treating complex infections in burn patients.

## Contribution

The case presents the highest number of distinct bacterial species simultaneously detected in a patient's bloodstream.

## Key findings

- The patient had polymicrobial bacteremia involving nine distinct bacterial species.
- The case emphasizes the challenges in diagnosing and treating complex infections in burn patients.
- A literature review of the pathogens revealed relevant insights for managing such infections.

## Abstract

This report describes the case of a 21-year-old male with 95% total body surface area full-thickness burns who developed polymicrobial bacteremia involving nine distinct bacterial species, the highest number of diverse bacterial species documented to simultaneously coexist in a patient’s bloodstream. Despite aggressive surgical, antimicrobial, and multidisciplinary interventions, the patient succumbed to sepsis after 12 days. The case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of managing complex infections in burn patients and underscores the critical importance of early detection, prompt treatment, and coordinated care. A literature review of the identified pathogens provides context and reveals notable findings relevant to this unprecedented case.