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Published on: July 18, 2017

Multiple Pyogenic Liver Abscesses Caused by Eggerthella lenta Treated with Ertapenem: A Case Report

Richard M Elias1, Shiao Yen Khoo, Jakrapun Pupaibool

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

Case Reports in Medicine
|April 7, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Anaerobic gram-positive bacilli like Eggerthella lenta can cause infections but are hard to identify. 16S rRNA sequencing aided in diagnosing a liver abscess case, successfully treated with drainage and ertapenem.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Anaerobic gram-positive bacilli are challenging to identify using standard biochemical techniques.
  • These bacteria can cause opportunistic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Accurate identification is crucial for effective antimicrobial therapy.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy patient presented with liver abscesses.
  • Conventional methods failed to identify the causative agent.
  • The patient showed no signs of underlying immunodeficiency.

Findings:

  • Eggerthella lenta, an anaerobic gram-positive bacillus, was identified as the causative pathogen.
  • 16S rRNA gene sequencing proved essential for accurate species identification.
  • The patient's infection resolved following percutaneous drainage and ertapenem treatment.

Implications:

  • 16S rRNA sequencing is a valuable tool for identifying difficult-to-culture anaerobic bacteria.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis can lead to successful treatment outcomes.
  • This case highlights Eggerthella lenta as a potential pathogen in liver abscesses.

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