Eikenella corrodens causing deep-seated infections. Six-year experience in a University Hospital in Madrid

Eikenella corrodens (EC) is part of the normal microbiota of the oropharynx and a recognised opportunistic pathogen. It is mainly involved in head and neck infections, but it has also been identified as a cause of pleuropulmonary and intraabdominal infections. Its identification could be difficult due to its fastidious growth requirements, especially in the context of polymicrobial infection and is probably underreported.

We carried out a retrospective 5-year review of clinical charts and laboratory database.

We describe the clinical and microbiological characteristics of 9 deep-seated infections caused by EC, diagnosed in locations different from the head and neck.

EC deep-seated infections are often found in patients with comorbid conditions and a history of interventional procedures. Due to the characteristic torpid evolution of EC abscesses, imaging to assess the necessity of debridement and avoid early cessation of antibiotics is necessary.