Differential Diagnosis for Citrobacter in a 19-year-old
Single most likely diagnosis
- Neonatal or pediatric meningitis is less likely given the patient's age, but Citrobacter bacteremia in an otherwise healthy young adult could suggest a gastrointestinal source of infection, possibly due to a gastrointestinal perforation or an intra-abdominal infection, given the absence of urinary symptoms and negative LP CSF.
Other Likely diagnoses
- Intra-abdominal infection: Citrobacter species are commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and could cause intra-abdominal infections, which might lead to bacteremia.
- Sepsis of unknown origin: Given the presence of Citrobacter in the blood culture, the patient could be experiencing sepsis, with the source of infection not yet identified.
- Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI): If the patient has a central line, Citrobacter could be the causative agent of a CLABSI, especially in a healthcare setting.
Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed)
- Endocarditis: Although less common, Citrobacter could cause endocarditis, particularly in patients with pre-existing heart conditions. This diagnosis is critical to consider due to its high mortality rate if left untreated.
- Neutropenic sepsis: If the patient is immunocompromised (e.g., due to chemotherapy or another condition leading to neutropenia), Citrobacter bacteremia could rapidly progress to severe sepsis or septic shock.
- Infective complications in an immunocompromised host: Patients with compromised immune systems (e.g., HIV/AIDS, taking immunosuppressive drugs) are at higher risk for severe and unusual infections.
Rare diagnoses
- Citrobacter meningitis: Although the LP CSF showed no growth, in rare cases, Citrobacter could cause meningitis, especially if the patient has a breach in the blood-brain barrier or is severely immunocompromised.
- Osteomyelitis or septic arthritis: Citrobacter could rarely cause bone or joint infections, which might not be immediately apparent without specific diagnostic tests (e.g., bone scan, joint aspiration).