Leuconostoc mesenteroides bacteremia in a patient with exposure to unpasteurised raw milk

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Case Study

Background:

• * *Leuconostoc* species are lactic acid bacteria, typically found in fermented foods.
• * These bacteria are infrequently implicated in human infections, especially in immunocompetent hosts.

Observation:

• * A case report details an immunocompetent patient with *L. mesenteroides* bacteremia.
• * The likely sources identified were consumption of raw milk and poor dental hygiene.

Findings:

• * *Leuconostoc* species exhibit intrinsic resistance to vancomycin.
• * The patient's bacteremia was successfully treated with daptomycin.

Implications:

• * This case expands the understanding of *Leuconostoc* spp. as potential human pathogens.
• * It underscores the importance of considering oral health and dietary sources in rare bacterial infections.
• * Daptomycin is a viable treatment option for *Leuconostoc* bacteremia, particularly when vancomycin is ineffective.