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[Liver abscess and infective endocarditis cases caused by Ruminococcus productus]
Nurgün Sucu1, Iftihar Köksal, Gürdal Yilmaz
1Karadeniz Teknik Universitesi Tip Fakültesi, Infeksiyon Hastaliklan ve Klinik Mikrobiyoloji Anabilim Dali, Trabzon.
Mikrobiyoloji Bulteni
|January 9, 2007
Summary
Ruminococcus productus, a rare bacterium, caused severe liver abscess and infective endocarditis in two patients. Prompt identification and penicillin-based treatment were crucial for recovery, highlighting its clinical significance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The genus Ruminococcus comprises anaerobic, Gram-positive cocci that can colonize various human and animal body sites.
- Ruminococcus productus, a rarely isolated species, has not been frequently associated with severe clinical infections.
Observation:
- This report details two rare cases of severe infections caused by Ruminococcus productus.
- Case 1: A 32-year-old male presented with a liver abscess from which R. productus was isolated.
- Case 2: A 25-year-old male developed infective endocarditis, with R. productus identified in blood cultures.
Findings:
- Both R. productus isolates were identified using the BACTEC 9200 anaerobe system.
- Susceptibility testing revealed sensitivity to penicillin in both cases.
- Treatment with penicillin-based regimens was initiated after bacterial identification.
Implications:
- These cases underscore the importance of considering R. productus in the differential diagnosis of complicated infections.
- R. productus, despite its rarity, can be an etiological agent in serious conditions like liver abscess and endocarditis.
- Accurate and timely identification of R. productus is essential for effective antimicrobial therapy.
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