339 A Rare Pediatric Case of Bordetella bronchiseptica Bacteremia: Clinical and Microbiological Insights

Introduction/Objective Although rare, Bordetella bronchiseptica can emerge as an opportunistic pathogen in pediatric patients, particularly following transient immunosuppression. B. bronchiseptica is primarily an animal pathogen, and human infections are very rare, usually limited to immunocompromised individuals. Methods/Case Report We report a case of a 21-month-old male from Ranipur, Pakistan fully vaccinated and previously healthy, who presented with fever and a generalized maculopapular rash beginning on the face and spreading to the trunk. Examination revealed pallor, dehydration, oral thrush, harsh breath sounds, and splenomegaly. He was provisionally diagnosed with measles and superimposed pneumonia. Laboratory findings included anemia (Hb 8.7 g/dL), leukopenia (TLC 3.7 × 109/L), and elevated CRP (28 mg/dL). Blood cultures flagged positive for gram-negative rods. Culture and biochemical testing revealed non-lactose fermenters, oxidase positivity, and alkaline/alkaline TSI without H2S. VITEK 2 Compact identified B. bronchiseptica with 99% probability. The isolate was resistant to cefixime and ceftriaxone but sensitive to co-amoxiclav, meropenem, and colistin. The concomitant link with measles, known for transient immune suppression, may have enabled this rare pathogen’s invasion. Results NA Conclusion This case highlights the importance of recognizing zoonotic bacteria as potential pathogens in febrile children, even those presumed immunocompetent, especially following infections that compromise host immunity.