Abstract

Cedecea is a rare genus of bacteria within the Enterobacteriaceae family.We reported a case of an 81-year-old man with jejunal obstruction caused by adenocarcinoma, who developed septic shock and hypercapnic respiratory failure after surgery. Cultures from his blood and central venous catheter revealed Acinetobacter baumannii complex and Cedecea lapagei.

While the Acinetobacter baumannii complex showed no resistance to the tested antibiotics, the Cedecea lapagei was resistant to polymyxin E and imipenem but sensitive to ertapenem, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations. The patient's persistent fever was effectively treated with ciprofloxacin and cefoperazone/sulbactam.

This case is the first report of Cedecea lapagei bacteremia in Taiwan, highlighting its potential as a nosocomial opportunistic pathogen with multiple antimicrobial resistance.