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Is Citrobacter Contagious When I Am Taking Cipro As Treatment?

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Posted on Tue, 26 Apr 2022
Question: I have been diagnosed with Citrobacter from a sputum culture. I have emphysema and use oxygen when needed. Is this contagious and my doctor just put me on CIPRO. I am concerned I have pneumonia, and if I do will this complicate things. I am 68 and quite smoking 10 years ago. Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (50 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please see the detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Well, it's good that your doctor has already changed it to Cipro, as mostly Citrobacter species are resistant to the antibiotics of Penicillin group (which are there in Augmentin).

I believe along with culture study, they've also checked the sample for Sensitivity (antibiogram), which will actually pinpoint the specific sensitivity and resistance pattern of bug.

Citrobacter is normally inside our gut and most commonly spread in hospital settings. However, it can also get acquired from the community (as Community-acquired pneumonia).

Talking about contagiousness, like any bacterial pneumonia it has some degree of contagiousness through droplet inhalation, direct body contamination through the respiratory secretion in the early and active stage.

However, since antibiotics therapy is already initiated, the risk of spreading the infection will subside gradually over a period of time. Please start the Cipro as already advised by your doctor. No, it'll not complicate things, so please don't worry.

Additionally, please refrain from having any cold beverages, extreme sour foods as they can further worsen the symptoms. Avoid going to any dusty/overcrowded places for the time being.

Always ensure to wash your hands with antibacterial hand-wash before and after handling the respiratory secretions, sputum etc. Do wear face masks whenever going outside.

Have plenty of hot beverages (soups, broths, hot menta tea) as they'll work as an immunity booster.

Let me know if I can assist you further. Take Care.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.Arnab (51 minutes later)
She also said I could have intravenous antibiotics. Would that be better than 500 mg of Cipro?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It depends on the sensitivity pattern of the Citrobacter culture report.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Intravenous antibiotics would definitely be a possibility. However, I'd first wait for the antibiogram (sensitivity pattern to the antibiotics) reports of the culture, then decide further.

These bacteria are notorious for developing resistance, so Cipro should be started until the sensitivity report arrives (it takes around 3-5days for the final report). The further duration of the antibiotic course should be decided by your treating doctor after that.

Another factor is how severe is the infection. If your doctor's suspecting it to be a resistant bug already and there's no improvement despite the treatment, then switching over to intravenous antibiotics would certainly be the choice. So, the risk-benefit ratio should be decided by your doctor after supervising your condition clinically.

Please discuss this with her and proceed further. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take Care.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.Arnab (6 minutes later)
I haven't started the cipro yet, will tonight. Thank you for your help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
your most welcome...

Detailed Answer:

Yes, please start it as already discussed...

Most welcome anytime...


Take Care
Kind Regards


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr.Arnab

Critical Care Specialist

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 1479 Questions

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Is Citrobacter Contagious When I Am Taking Cipro As Treatment?

Brief Answer: Please see the detailed answer below Detailed Answer: Hello, Well, it's good that your doctor has already changed it to Cipro, as mostly Citrobacter species are resistant to the antibiotics of Penicillin group (which are there in Augmentin). I believe along with culture study, they've also checked the sample for Sensitivity (antibiogram), which will actually pinpoint the specific sensitivity and resistance pattern of bug. Citrobacter is normally inside our gut and most commonly spread in hospital settings. However, it can also get acquired from the community (as Community-acquired pneumonia). Talking about contagiousness, like any bacterial pneumonia it has some degree of contagiousness through droplet inhalation, direct body contamination through the respiratory secretion in the early and active stage. However, since antibiotics therapy is already initiated, the risk of spreading the infection will subside gradually over a period of time. Please start the Cipro as already advised by your doctor. No, it'll not complicate things, so please don't worry. Additionally, please refrain from having any cold beverages, extreme sour foods as they can further worsen the symptoms. Avoid going to any dusty/overcrowded places for the time being. Always ensure to wash your hands with antibacterial hand-wash before and after handling the respiratory secretions, sputum etc. Do wear face masks whenever going outside. Have plenty of hot beverages (soups, broths, hot menta tea) as they'll work as an immunity booster. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take Care. Regards