Acute cholangitis in a patient with Kluyvera cryocrescens bacteremia: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Background: Originally thought to be benign organisms, there is increasing evidence that Kluyvera species harbor the potential to induce a multitude of pathologies. With increasing evidence implicating Kluyvera in various pathologies, including those of soft tissue and the biliary tract, it is important that both plastic and general surgeons are well informed of this organism and its potential manifestations.
Case presentation: A thirty-five years old man was admitted to Monmouth Medical Center with right upper quadrant (RUQ) and abdominal pain of acute onset. He was found to have Kluyvera cryocrescens bacteremia secondary to acute cholangitis. He was treated with a laparoscopic cholecystectomy and antibiotics. He made a full recovery.
Discussion: There are a multitude of manifestations of Kluyvera infection, including urinary tract infections, sepsis and bacteremia, diarrhea, soft tissue infection, cholecystitis, intra-abdominal abscess, pancreatitis, mediastinitis, and urethrorectal fistula. Early identification of this infection is important so that appropriate antibiotic coverage can be initiated.
Conclusions: We present the first documented case of acute cholangitis in a patient with Kluyvera cryocrescens bacteremia. The patient was successfully treated with a course of antibiotics and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.