Rare Cases of Ralstonia pickettii Associated with Tonsillitis and Wound Infection

Background: We describe here two rare case of Ralstonia pickettii infection associated with tonsillitis and wound infection. Ralstonia pickettii is a gram negative bacteria, usually isolated from the soil and water. Infection-associated Ralstonia species though rare, has become an emerging nosocomial pathogen due to its capability to survive in harsh conditions like antiseptic solutions. Both of our reported cases presented to the outdoor patient unit and thus possibility of community acquired Ralstonia picketti infection cannot be ruled out. Methods: Isolates were subjected to Siemens MicroScan WalkAway 96 Plus (Beckman Caulter Diagnostics, USA) for identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Results: Ralstonia pickettii was identified as a rarely detected pathogen. Conclusion: Ralstonia pickettii though rarely associated with wound infections and tonsillitis, could be a potential hospital acquired pathogen.