Chryseobacterium gleum Causing Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia in an Adult Male With Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Chryseobacterium species are recognized as an emerging opportunistic bacterial pathogen in nosocomial settings especially in debilitated or immunosuppressed patients and neonates. The ubiquitous distribution in nature, ability to form biofilms with inherent resistance to broad-spectrum antimicrobials, and lack of clinical studies pose a further diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This case report describes an elderly male with relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) status post-chemotherapy and radiation who acquired healthcare-associated pneumonia with sputum isolates showing Chryseobacterium gleum and Stenotrophomonas maltophila. It also includes a review of literature compiling all the previously reported cases with antibiotic susceptibilities, clinical picture, and treatment outcomes.

Automated summary

Chryseobacterium species are emerging as opportunistic bacterial pathogens in hospital settings, particularly affecting debilitated or immunosuppressed patients. The challenges in diagnosis and treatment are exacerbated by their ability to form biofilms and resist broad-spectrum antimicrobials, prompting the need for further clinical studies.