Persistent catheter-related Bacillus licheniformis bacteremia in an immunocompetent patient

Abstract

Bacillus licheniformis is a Gram-positive bacillus that is rare in clinical practice, characterized by its antimicrobial resistance and capacity to persist in the body, mainly described in immunosuppressed patients. We present the case of an elderly, male, immunocompetent patient with persistent Bacillus licheniformis bacteremia, with the only related factor being the presence of a central venous catheter. Antibiotic treatment was selected based on sensitivity testing, highlighting both the timing and the resistance pattern found.

This finding reinforces what is described in the literature regarding the importance of prompt antibiotic treatment based on sensitivity tests, in a setting with variable resistance. Our case constitutes the first report in Colombia of persistent Bacillus licheniformis bacteremia in an immunocompetent patient, underscoring the need to consider it as a true infectious agent in patients with risk factors like the prolonged use of devices, avoiding rash changes in antibiotic treatment.