Spontaneous gram-negative cellulitis in a liver transplant recipient

Infection. 2001 Dec;29(6):345-7. doi: 10.1007/s15010-001-1112-z.

Abstract

A 47-year-old liver transplant recipient developed fever and cellulitis on the 8th post-transplant day. The clinical appearances were of a rapidly advancing cellulitis. The patient had a past history of severe peripheral edema and hypoalbuminemia. Blood cultures and skin biopsy grew Escherichia coli. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of E. coli cellulitis in a liver transplant recipient. However, cases have previously been described in patients with cirrhosis or idiopathic nephritic syndrome, conditions which share predisposing features of peripheral edema and hypoalbuminemia. Bacteremic gram-negative cellulitis should be considered in compromised patients with unusual presentations of cellulitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Cellulitis / diagnosis
  • Cellulitis / etiology*
  • Cellulitis / microbiology
  • Escherichia coli / isolation & purification
  • Escherichia coli Infections / diagnosis
  • Escherichia coli Infections / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Leg / pathology*
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / microbiology
  • Skin / pathology