First Case of Septic Shock Caused by Cetobacterium Somerae.

Background: Cetobacterium somerae rarely causes infection in humans. Most studies on C. somerae have analyzed its role in the intestinal system of freshwater fish.

Methods: Herein, we report a case of septic shock caused by C. somerae in an elderly patient.

Results: Blood culture revealed growth of a gram-negative, rod-shaped anaerobic bacterium, which was identified as C. somerae through MALDI-TOF analyses. Although C. somerae is a resident species in the gut, it can cause systemic infection, which can be fatal.

Conclusions: When C. somerae is identified, consideration should be given to the possibility of the infection originating from the intestinal tract.