Origins of Pantoea Septica Bacteria
Pantoea septica is primarily an environmental bacterium found in soil, water, and plant surfaces, and can cause opportunistic infections in humans through wound contamination with plant material, environmental exposure, or as a hospital-acquired infection.
Environmental Sources
- Pantoea species are ubiquitous bacteria that have been isolated from a multitude of environments including soil, water, and plant surfaces 1
- Like other Pantoea species, P. septica can be found as an epiphytic microbe (developing on plant surfaces) or as an endophytic organism (living inside plants) 2
- Environmental sources can be involved in transmission, particularly in healthcare settings, with communal facilities such as baths and showers implicated in hospital outbreaks 3
Transmission to Humans
- Wound infection with Pantoea species usually follows piercing or laceration of skin with plant material such as thorns, wooden splinters, or other vegetation 4
- Occupational exposures during agricultural work, gardening, or children playing outdoors are common scenarios for acquiring Pantoea infections 4
- The organism can survive on environmental surfaces and fomites, contributing to its persistence in healthcare environments 3
Hospital-Acquired Infections
- A major route of P. septica infection is exposure of hospitalized individuals to medical equipment or fluids contaminated with this bacterium 4
- Epidemics of nosocomial septicemia with Pantoea species have been documented in several countries, affecting both adult and pediatric patients 4
- Nosocomial bloodstream infections can occur following invasive procedures such as chest puncture 5
Clinical Presentations
- Septic arthritis or synovitis is a common clinical outcome of exogenous infection with Pantoea species 4
- Other clinical manifestations include endophthalmitis, periostitis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and bloodstream infections 4
- Pantoea dispersa (a related species) has been reported to cause respiratory infections, neonatal sepsis, and bloodstream infections including those associated with acute cholangitis 6
Risk Factors for Infection
- Immunocompromised status is a significant risk factor, though infections can occur in immunocompetent individuals as well 6
- Surgical procedures that disrupt normal barriers or lymphatic drainage can increase risk of infection 7
- Hospitalized patients, postoperative patients, and infants represent particularly susceptible populations 5
Diagnostic Considerations
- Blood cultures may identify Gram-negative rods in cases of bacteremia 6
- Advanced identification methods such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) or 16S ribosomal RNA analysis are often needed for definitive species identification 6
- Environmental sampling may be necessary to identify the source in outbreak situations 3
Clinical Implications
- Although often considered less virulent than other pathogens, Pantoea infections can lead to serious outcomes including sepsis 5
- Proper antibiotic treatment based on susceptibility testing is essential for effective management 6
- Preventive measures should focus on proper wound care after plant-related injuries and strict infection control practices in healthcare settings 4