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Paenibacillus larvae Bacteremia in injection drug users.
Siegbert Rieg1, Tilman Martin Bauer, Gabriele Peyerl-Hoffmann
1University Hospital, Freiburg, Germany. siegbert.rieg@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|March 6, 2010
Summary
Paenibacillus larvae, a bacterium causing American foulbrood in bees, was found in five injection drug users. These individuals contracted bacteremia after injecting methadone contaminated with P. larvae spores.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Paenibacillus larvae is the causative agent of American foulbrood, a devastating honey bee disease.
- Honey bee products, such as honey, can potentially harbor bacterial spores.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report cases of P. larvae bacteremia in humans.
- To highlight a potential, underrecognized route of transmission for P. larvae spores.
Main Methods:
- Case series describing five individuals with P. larvae bacteremia.
- Analysis of self-prepared methadone injections for the presence of P. larvae spores.
Main Results:
- Five injection drug users presented with P. larvae bacteremia.
- The methadone preparations used by these individuals were confirmed to contain P. larvae spores.
Conclusions:
- Self-injection of honey-prepared methadone can lead to P. larvae bacteremia in humans.
- Awareness of this transmission route is limited among healthcare professionals and drug users.
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