First human case report of bloodstream infection caused by Kocuria indica in a patient with chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction

April 23, 2025
ASM Case Reports
Daisuke Kitagawa, Shuhei Kogata, Kengo Nakahata, Shohei Kishida, Koki Kimura, Katsuji Yamauchi, Takeo Yonekura, Taito Kitano, Takehito Kasamatsu, Naoyuki Shiraishi, Soma Suzuki, Ayu Yamamoto, Ritsuki Uejima, Yuki Suzuki, Akiyo Nakano, Ryuichi Nakano, Hisakazu Yano, Koichi Maeda, Fumihiko Nakamura
Pathogen:Kocuria indica
Infection Type:Bloodstream infection
Pathogen Type:Bacteria

Summary

This report details the first human case of bloodstream infection caused by Kocuria indica, observed in a 1-year-old male with chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIIP). The patient presented with fever and abdominal distension, and blood cultures identified K. indica through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The infection was successfully treated with vancomycin. This case highlights the emergence of K. indica as a potential opportunistic pathogen, particularly in immunocompromised individuals or those with underlying gastrointestinal conditions like CIIP, which predispose them to unusual infections.

Key note: Kocuria indica can cause bloodstream infections in vulnerable patients with pre-existing conditions.

DOI: 10.1128/asmcr.00066-24