Human Infections by Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica: A Mini-Review and the First Report of a Burn Wound Infection after Accidental Myiasis in Central Europe

Abstract

Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica are bacteria that cause rare infections, typically associated with the infestation of an open wound with fly larvae. Here, we present a unique case report of the first W. chitiniclastica isolation from a burn wound with accidental myiasis in a 63-year-old homeless man and a literature review focused on human infections caused by these bacteria. So far, 23 cases of infection with W. chitiniclastica have been reported; in 52% of these, larvae were found in the wound area. Most of these cases suffered from chronic non-healing wound infections but none of these were burn injuries. The overall fatality rate associated directly with W. chitiniclastica in these cases was 17%. Infections with parasitic larvae occur in moderate climates (especially in people living in poor conditions); therefore, an infection with rare bacteria associated with accidental myiasis, such as W. chitiniclastica, can be expected to become more common there. Thus, in view of the absence of recommendations regarding the treatment of patients with accidental myiasis and, therefore, the risk of infection with W. chitiniclastica or other rare pathogens, we provide a list of recommendations for the treatment of such patients. The importance of meticulous microbial surveillance using molecular biological methods to facilitate the detection of rare pathogens is emphasized.

Prevalence of bovine mastitis-related pathogens, identified by mass spectrometry in flies (Insecta, Diptera) captured in the milking environment

“…2019; Ryan and Pembroke 2020; Hladík et al . 2021). Among these agents, B. cereus is a spore‐forming bacterium that exhibits high adhesion to surfaces and great thermal resistance associated with human intoxications.…”

“…Bacillus cereus, C. kerstersii, O. intermedium, Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica, Lodderomyces elongisporus, S. maltophila and Acinetobacter and Pantoea species were detected less frequently in the present study. These microorganisms have been reported in humans and animals mainly with opportunistic behaviour, especially related to hospital-acquired infections, for example, diarrhoea, septicemia, bacteremia, pneumonia, dermatitis, osteomyelitis and urinary tract infections (Almuzara et al 2017;Junqueira et al 2017;Klotz et al 2019;Ryan and Pembroke 2020;Hlad ık et al 2021). Among these agents, B. cereus is a spore-forming bacterium that exhibits high adhesion to surfaces and great thermal resistance associated with human intoxications.…”

Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica: A rare infection reported in an adult with liver cirrhosis

“…Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) and 16 S rRNA gene sequencing are recommended to be used as identification methods. 8 …”

“…Previous studies indicate that VITEK 2 system has been occasionally mistaking Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica for Acinetobacter iwoffii , Comamonas testosteroni or Rhizobium radiobacter . Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) and 16 S rRNA gene sequencing are recommended to be used as identification methods 8 …”

Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica: a rare infection reported in an adult with liver cirrhosis

“…Previ-ous studies indicate that VITEK 2 system has been occasionally mistaking Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica forAcinetobacter iwoffii , Comamonas testosteroni orRhizobium radiobacter. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing are recommended to be used as identification methods[8].…”