Yokenella regensburgei-Past, Present and Future

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Yokenella regensburgei is a Gram-negative bacterium from the Enterobacteriaceae family, rarely causing human infections.
• Improved diagnostics increase reports, yet comprehensive data on its biology, resistance, and pathogenicity remain limited.
• Similarities to Hafnia alvei may hinder its identification and underreport its prevalence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide the first comprehensive review of Yokenella regensburgei.
• To consolidate information on its biology, biochemistry, antimicrobial resistance, virulence, reservoir, and role in infections.
• To assess its potential in plastic degradation and associated human health implications.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature searches were conducted to identify and analyze reported cases of Y. regensburgei infections.
• Data on Y. regensburgei's biological characteristics, resistance patterns, and clinical manifestations were compiled.
• Existing research on its environmental applications, particularly plastic degradation, was reviewed.

Main Results:

• Twenty-three human infection cases were identified globally, predominantly in middle-aged to elderly males, often immunocompromised.
• Infections include skin and soft tissue, bacteremia, sepsis, osteoarticular, urinary tract, and digestive infections.
• Y. regensburgei demonstrates a unique capacity for polystyrene degradation, presenting environmental applications.

Conclusions:

• Yokenella regensburgei is an emerging pathogen with diverse clinical presentations and a worldwide distribution.
• Its plastic-degrading ability offers significant environmental promise.
• Further research is crucial to understand its pathogenicity, antibiotic resistance, and the implications of increased human exposure.