Infection Route of Parvimonas micra: A Case Report and Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Parvimonas micra (P. micra) is a gastrointestinal bacterium typically found in polymicrobial infections like periodontitis and abscesses.
• Monobacterial infections caused by P. micra are infrequently reported, making their clinical presentation and sources less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of monobacterial bacteremia caused by P. micra.
• To identify the source of P. micra invasion and clarify its clinical features.
• To conduct a systematic review of P. micra monobacteremia.

Main Methods:

• A case of P. micra bacteremia suspected to originate from dental treatment was presented.
• A systematic review was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar to identify studies on P. micra monobacteremia.
• Clinical data from 26 identified patients were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The systematic review identified 26 patients with P. micra monobacteremia, with a mean age of 70.15 years.
• Common manifestations included spinal discitis, epidural and lumbar abscesses, and infective endocarditis.
• Key risk factors identified were malignancy, diabetes mellitus, and post-arthroplasty procedures.

Conclusions:

• P. micra bacteremia can occur as a monobacterial infection, with oral contamination being a potential source, especially after dental procedures.
• Spinal infections and endocarditis are significant clinical presentations of P. micra bacteremia.
• Detection of P. micra in blood cultures warrants consideration of oral health evaluation and intervention.