Bloodstream infection due to Enterobacter ludwigii , correlating with massive aggregation on the surface of a central venous catheter

We report a case of catheter associated bloodstream infection due to Enterobacter ludwigii with a massive aggregation on the outside surface of a central venous catheter (CVC). The 57 years old patient with a history of spondylodiscitis and Staphylococcus aureus -associated endocarditis was admitted to the intensive care unit for acute cerebral infarction. The patient developed signs of infections and the CVC was removed 11 days after placement. The infectious agent was identified by standard diagnostics to the genus level as belonging to the Enterobacter cloacae complex, and additional molecular testing determined the species as E. ludwigii . The catheter was selected for a study aiming to identify the influence of blood components on the formation of central venous catheter-associated biofilms. In this course a massive biofilm was recognized and is presented here.