BACKGROUND: Achromobacter xylosoxidans is an aerobic, motile, Gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen that can be responsible for various severe nosocomial and community-acquired infections. It has been found in immunocompromised patients and patients with several other underlying conditions, but the clinical role of this microorganism in cystic fibrosis is unclear.

CASE REPORT: We describe a case of septic shock caused by A. xylosoxidans in a 10-year-old child with cystic fibrosis and severe lung disease.

CONCLUSIONS: As the prevalence of A. xylosoxidans in cystic fibrosis patients is rising and patient-to-patient transmission is highly probable, further studies are warranted to determine its role and to document the appropriate treatment strategy for eradication and long-term treatment of this organism.

Keywords: Achromobacter denitrificans, Child, Cystic Fibrosis - complications, Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections - drug therapy, Respiratory Insufficiency - microbiology, Sepsis - microbiology