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Clinical and microbiologic characteristics of pediococci
1Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195-5140.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Vancomycin-resistant bacteria initially identified as streptococci were found to be other lactic acid bacteria, including lactobacilli and pediococci. This highlights the importance of accurate identification of vancomycin-resistant organisms in clinical microbiology.
Area of Science:
- Clinical microbiology
- Bacterial identification
- Antimicrobial resistance
Background:
- Vancomycin resistance in nonenterococcal, nonhemolytic streptococci is a rare but significant finding.
- Accurate identification of bacterial isolates is crucial for effective treatment and infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the identity of clinical isolates initially reported as vancomycin-resistant streptococci.
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of these misidentified organisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical microbiology laboratory reports over a 43-month period.
- Phenotypic and physiological testing of 13 vancomycin-resistant isolates.
- Gram staining, growth characteristics analysis, and biochemical identification.
Main Results:
- None of the 13 vancomycin-resistant isolates were true streptococci.
- Identifications included Lactobacillus species, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides, and Pediococcus acidilactici.
- All identified organisms were highly resistant to vancomycin (MIC ≥ 1,024 µg/ml).
- Additional non-human Pediococci strains also exhibited high vancomycin resistance.
Conclusions:
- Clinically isolated vancomycin-resistant bacteria resembling streptococci are likely other lactic acid bacteria.
- Accurate differentiation between streptococci and other lactic acid bacteria is essential in clinical settings.
- This misidentification may impact vancomycin susceptibility reporting and patient management.