Related Experiment Videos
Leuconostoc species: a case-cluster hospital infection
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Italy.
Abstract:
Leuconostoc species are members of the Streptococcacae family. They are generally regarded as non-pathogenic culture contaminants and are thought to be an uncommon cause of infection. We present a study of a case-cluster nosocomial infection due to Leuconostoc spp. Three patients were hospitalized at the time of the infection with significant underlying diseases and all had a compromised skin and mucous barriers. Two had received previous antibiotic therapy. This report highlights the importance of Leuconostoc spp. as an emerging pathogen, even though the modes of transmission and reservoirs of Leuconostoc spp. are as yet unknown.
Insights
Leuconostoc bacteria, typically non-pathogenic contaminants, caused a rare hospital-acquired infection cluster. This highlights their potential as an emerging pathogen in vulnerable patients.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Leuconostoc species are part of the Streptococcaceae family.
- They are commonly considered non-pathogenic contaminants and rarely cause infections.
Observation:
- A case-cluster of nosocomial infection caused by Leuconostoc species was identified.
- Three hospitalized patients with underlying conditions and compromised barriers were affected.
- Two patients had prior antibiotic treatment.
Findings:
- Leuconostoc species demonstrated pathogenicity in a hospital setting.
- The infections occurred in immunocompromised individuals with breached skin/mucous membranes.
Implications:
- This study underscores Leuconostoc species as an emerging opportunistic pathogen.
- Further research is needed to understand transmission and reservoirs of Leuconostoc spp.