Sphingomonas paucimobilis : a persistent Gram-negative nosocomial infectious organism

Summary Non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli create a significant problem in clinical settings, being the most widespread cause of nosocomial infections. They are opportunistic pathogens that take advantage of underlying conditions and diseases. Sphingomonas paucimobilis , a non-fermenting Gram-negative bacillus, is regarded as of minor clinical significance; however, many instances of infections with this organism can be found in the literature. Infections include bacteraemia/septicaemia caused by contaminated solutions, e.g. distilled water, haemodialysis fluid and sterile drug solutions. Cases of pseudobacteraemia have been recorded in association with S. paucimobilis , as have many cases of unusual infections both invasive and severe, e.g. septic arthritis and osteomyelitis. No cases of death have been recorded in the literature related to S. paucimobilis . This review illustrates that S. paucimobilis is a more important pathogen than previously thought.