Fatal case of sepsis caused by Raoultella ornithinolytica: A rare opportunistic pathogen

Abstract

We present a rare case of sepsis caused by Raoultella ornithinolytica, a gram-negative, encapsulated bacterium. The patient, a 46-year-old male, was admitted to the intensive care unit with severe diabetic ketoacidosis, acute renal failure, and sepsis. Despite aggressive management, including continuous renal replacement therapy and high-dose inotropes, the patient's condition deteriorates rapidly, ultimately resulting in a fatal outcome. This case highlights the importance of considering Raoultella ornithinolytica in the differential diagnosis of sepsis, particularly in cases where the source of infection is unknown. The patient's clinical course underscores the challenges of managing sepsis in the intensive care unit and the need for continued research into the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sepsis caused by this rare opportunistic pathogen.