Photorhabdus species: bioluminescent bacteria as emerging human pathogens?

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'Bioluminescent' Reporter Phage for the Detection of Category A Bacterial Pathogens
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John G Gerrard1, Samantha McNevin, David Alfredson

  • 1Gold Coast Hospital, Southport, Queensland, Australia. jgerrard@bigpond.net.au

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|February 27, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Two Australian patients developed soft tissue infections from Photorhabdus bacteria. These bioluminescent Gram-negative bacilli, known insect pathogens, are increasingly causing human infections in Australia and the US.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathogen Discovery

Background:

  • Photorhabdus species are known insect pathogens.
  • These bacteria are Gram-negative bacilli and are bioluminescent.
  • Emerging evidence suggests Photorhabdus is a potential human pathogen.

Observation:

  • Two cases of soft tissue infections caused by Photorhabdus species in Australian patients are reported.
  • The infections were localized soft tissue infections.
  • The patients' specific exposure leading to infection was not identified.

Findings:

  • Photorhabdus species can cause soft tissue infections in humans.
  • This genus represents an emerging threat for human infections.
  • Infections have been documented in both the United States and Australia.

Implications:

  • Further research is needed to understand the transmission routes of Photorhabdus to humans.
  • Clinical awareness of Photorhabdus as a human pathogen should be increased.
  • Diagnostic and treatment strategies for Photorhabdus infections may need development.

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