Enterococcus casseliflavus and Enterococcus gallinarum as causative agents of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Janaína Luz Narciso-Schiavon1, Ariane Borgonovo1, Paula Couto Marques1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Division, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil.

Annals of Hepatology
|February 12, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Multidrug-resistant bacteria pose a significant threat to hospitalized patients, especially those with cirrhosis. This study details rare cases of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) caused by Enterococcus casseliflavus and Enterococcus gallinarum.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hepatology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections are a growing concern in hospital settings.
  • Patients with cirrhosis are particularly vulnerable due to frequent antibiotic use and compromised immunity.

Observation:

  • This report details the first documented case of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) caused by Enterococcus casseliflavus.
  • It also describes the sixth reported case of SBP attributed to Enterococcus gallinarum.

Findings:

  • Enterococcus species, including E. casseliflavus and E. gallinarum, can cause spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
  • These findings highlight the need to consider less common enterococcal species in SBP diagnosis.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should be aware of the potential for these enterococcal species to cause SBP in susceptible patients.
  • Further research may be needed to understand the specific risk factors and optimal treatment for SBP caused by these organisms.

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