Gram-negative septicemia caused by providencia stuartii.

The role of urologic disease and manipulation of the genito-urinary tract in the pathogenesis of gram-negative bacteremia has been long recognized. Among these organisms, species of providencia genus have been increasingly reported. We describe a 17-year-old male paraplegic who developed septic shock due to Providencia Stuartii following urinary tract manipulation and responding to medical therapy. This is unusual as most cases with septic shock from providencia species will succumb. It is important to review this case since providencia species appear to be increasingly common in paraplegic patients.