MayoClinic.org
Anyone else dealt with these bacteria?
Because of frequent exacerbations, my pulmonary doctor at Mayo ordered another Chest CT and Bronchoscopy. They isolated two bacteria from the bronchoscopy: ACHROMOBACTER XYLOSOXIDANS and SERRATIA LIQUEFACIENS. Does anybody know anything about these? My coughing and mucus production have gotten worse. Still doing three nebulizer and SmartVest sessions each day.
I see from your previous posts that Achromobacter has been with you for a while – @pamelasc1 reported a few months ago that she had tried a specific drug that worked. See https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mycobacterium-avium-complex-pulmonary-disease-macmai/?pg=577#comment-433916
Serratia bacteria are ubiquitous – and are often found in the sinuses – I'm not sure about treatment protocols, or which antibiotics they are sensitive to.
What does the doc say about treatment options for these?
Sue
My pulmonary specialist has deferred to the Infectious Disease doctor at Mayo for treatment, but I haven't heard anything from her yet.
That's what I was hoping you would say. I found I had a lot of confidence in the ID doc's opinions on which infections to treat with antibiotics and which to watch.
Sue
CK, from what I have been able to look up about these two types of bacterias is that they are ubiquitous in the environment, but mostly anaerobic (in water), These two are among the bacterial infections that can be caught in hospitals, nursing homes, and dialysis centers. The Serratia liquefaciens in many cases is picked up with the use of catheters, or any tubing used with the body. There are antibiotics used to combat these, but a suseptibility test is needed to see which ones may work. These two bacterias are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Being seen at the Mayo Clinic is probably the best thing you can do when dealing with a tough medical issue. Please keep me informed with your progress, I hope you feel better soon!
Thanks! The infectious disease doc just called and prescribed Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) for two weeks. She said if that doesn't show improvement in 5-6 days, then a PICC line and IV antibiotics may be needed.
Was a suseptibilty test done?
No, she said that both bacteria should be susceptible to the Bactrim. If not, then she'll try a different course of antibiotics with the PICC line.
Hi. If just makes your heart sink when you get these lab results. I never imagined there were so many bacteria around. I was diagnosed 2 1\2 years ago and had repeated Pseudomonous and others. I was not coughing up anything recently till A week or so ago–doing once daily nebbing with 7% sod. chloride so sent in a specimen. It was 3+ Pseudomonous and 1+ achromobacter but not sufficient for susceptibility. Had a visit with with my pulmonary Thursday. Lungs sounded good no antibiotic, increase nebbing to twice a day, exercise to keep stuff coming up. I had a picc line a year ago. Not fun but did in home with good supportive husband. I'm sensitive to antibiotics but had a true allergic reaction to Bactrim. Hope all goes well. We are all having to deal with a lot but this site support is great.
F Dixon, I truly believe that nebbing 7% sod. chloride TWICE a day keeps us all in better shape.
I was treated with Bactrim initially also. Then tried nebulize Tobi along with Piic line for 10 days. It did the trick. Haven’t got it back nor have I been in hospital. Afterward I had a raging yeast infection through my body and then had to take more meds!
@chattey2, We love success stories!!! Happy for you too.