Rhizobium radiobacter as an opportunistic pathogen in central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infection: case report and review

Rhizobium radiobacter is an uncommon opportunistic pathogen present in soil. It has been particularly associated with indwelling intravascular devices in immunocompromised patients. In this report, we summarise the case of a patient with multiple myeloma who developed R. radiobacter bacteraemia during autologous stem cell leucopheresis. Retrospective investigation revealed exposure to soil after central venous catheter placement for chemotherapy and leucopheresis access. This is the first reported case of R. radiobacter bacteraemia following probable colonisation of the catheter from soil exposure. We further review the existing literature to delineate prevention and treatment recommendations for tine-associated R. radiobacter infections. (c) 2008 The Hospital Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.