Hafnia alvei: A new pathogen in open fractures

Abstract

Background

Deep infection following open both bone forearm fractures is a rare complication. Prophylactic antibiotic regimens are targeted at the most common pathogens, which include primarily Staph aureus followed by gram-negative bacteria. Hafnia alvei is an unusual pathogen that is rarely pathogenic in humans and has never been reported as a cause of infection following open fracture.

Methods

We present a 12-year-old male with an open forearm fracture who developed a late deep infection. Cultures grew only Hafnia alvei. The patient was treated with debridement, placement of antibiotic beads, and ciprofloxacin.

Results

At 6 months following the initial debridement, the patient had no clinical evidence of infection and regained full function of the affected forearm without any residual deficits.

Conclusions

This is the first report of deep infection following an open forearm fracture owing to Hafnia alvei, a pathogen rarely responsible for human infection.