M171-5

Peritoneal fluid: Klebsiella pneumoniae + Streptococcus constellatus – Shipped May 09, 2017

HISTORY

A simulated peritoneal fluid sample collected from a 50 year old patient with intra-abdominal sepsis was sent to category A laboratories. Participants were expected to identify Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus anginosus group. Participants were also expected to report susceptibility results for K. pneumoniae.

MAIN EDUCATIONAL POINTS from M171-5

1. The isolation of more than one pathogen in a sample from an intra-abdominal infection is commonplace.
2. Depending on the degree of infection identification and susceptibility testing of multiple species may be warranted.
3. The large majority of S. anginosus group isolates are predictably susceptible to beta-lactam agents.
4. It is rarely necessary to sub-speciate members of the S. anginosus group.

Full critique (PDF)