Shewanella spp. infections in Gran Canaria, Spain: retrospective analysis of 31 cases and a literature review

Abstract

Introduction. Shewanella spp. can cause severe skin and soft-tissue infections, gastrointestinal infections, otitis and bacteraemia, generally upon contact with seawater or consumption of raw seafood. Recently, a new condition termed ‘patera foot’ characterized by acute skin and soft-tissue infection has been described in irregular immigrants arriving to the Canary Islands, Spain, in rudimentary boats. Most infections are caused by a single species, Shewanella algae. The improvement of the diagnostic capabilities in clinical microbiology laboratories has resulted in a growing number of cases being reported worldwide, most of them coming from warm regions.

Case presentation. In this work, we reviewed the medical records of all the patients with Shewanella infections in the two university hospitals of Gran Canaria (the Canary Islands, Spain) during the period 2000–2016, resulting in the identification of 31 cases. We also conducted a literature review of Shewanella infections reported worldwide in recent years.

Conclusion. This case series suggests that Shewanella infections are nosocomially acquired more frequently than previously thought. In addition, the unexpectedly high proportion of multidrug-resistant isolates raises concerns.