TITLE:
A Rare Case of Sphingomonas paucimobilis Meningitis and Bacteremia in a Postpartum Patient
AUTHORS:
Ahmad Subhi, Salma Alshamsi, Roomiyah Assadi
KEYWORDS:
Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Meningitis, Bacteremia, Postpartum Infection
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Infectious Diseases,
Vol.15 No.3,
September
24,
2025
ABSTRACT: Sphingomonas paucimobilis is a rare opportunistic, gram-negative bacterium involved in various community- and hospital-acquired infections. Although its pathogenicity is relatively low, it can lead to severe diseases such as meningitis, especially in vulnerable populations. We report a postpartum patient who developed meningitis and bacteremia due to Sphingomonas paucimobilis. The notable aspect of this case was the occurrence of meningitis during the postpartum period, complicated by misleading diagnostic findings and severe neurological complications. This review summarizes existing literature on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges, management approaches, and preventive strategies for infections, while providing context for the presented case. Sphingomonas paucimobilis is a rare opportunistic, gram-negative bacterium that can be involved in various infections acquired in both community and hospital settings. Although its pathogenicity is relatively low, it has the potential to cause severe diseases, such as meningitis, especially in vulnerable populations.