A Septicemic Child due to a Novel Streptococcal Species, Streptococcus gwangjuensis

TL;DR

A child with a weakened immune system was diagnosed with septicemia caused by a new type of streptococcus bacteria and successfully treated with antibiotics and supportive care.

Contribution

Identification of a novel streptococcal species, Streptococcus gwangjuensis, as a cause of septicemia in an immunocompromised child.

Findings

Streptococcus gwangjuensis was identified as the causative agent of septicemia in an 8-year-old immunocompromised child.

The isolate was susceptible to β-lactam antibiotics, aiding in effective treatment.

Next-generation sequencing using sodA and gyrB amplicons confirmed the novel species.

Abstract

We report a case of septicemia due to Streptococcus gwangjuensis in an immunocompromised 8-year-old child. The final diagnosis was febrile neutropenia associated with acute myeloid leukemia and septicemia. The patient was successfully treated with chemotherapy, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, leukodepleted packed red cell transfusions, piperacillin/tazobactam, and meropenem. S. gwangjuensis was identified using sodA and gyrB amplicon-based next-generation sequencing. The isolate was susceptible to all β-lactam antibiotics.