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Published on: February 10, 2011
Clinical and microbiological characteristics of Eggerthella lenta causing bacteremia
Domingo Fernández Vecilla1, Mikel Joseba Urrutikoetxea Gutiérrez2, Mary Paz Roche Matheus2
1Sierrallana Hospital, Microbiology Service, Cantabria, Spain.
Abstract:
Eggerthella lenta is an obligate anaerobic, Gram-positive bacilli, belonging to the human microbiota of gastrointestinal and female reproductive tracts, oral cavity and prostate gland. In this article, we aim to describe clinical and microbiological characteristics of seven E. lenta strains causing bacteremia. We conducted a descriptive retrospective study including all E. lenta strains causing bacteremia, from February 2019 to August 2023 at the Basurto University Hospital. Seven patients were included in the study with a mean age of 72.7 years. Six patients presented risk factors associated with bacterial infections. All patients were admitted to the hospital because of suspicious of bloodstream infection associated with abdominal symptoms for intravenous antibiotic treatment. Four E. lenta isolates were resistant to penicillin, while all isolates presented high MICs to piperacillin/tazobactam and low MICs to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. All patients recovered without no complications.
Insights
Eggerthella lenta bacteremia, though rare, can occur in older adults with risk factors. All patients in this study recovered with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid treatment, showing potential therapeutic options.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Eggerthella lenta is an anaerobic, Gram-positive bacillus found in human microbiota.
- This bacterium resides in the gastrointestinal tract, female reproductive system, oral cavity, and prostate gland.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and microbiological features of Eggerthella lenta bacteremia.
- To analyze treatment outcomes and antibiotic susceptibility patterns for E. lenta bloodstream infections.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive retrospective study was conducted.
- Seven E. lenta strains causing bacteremia between February 2019 and August 2023 were analyzed.
- Clinical data and microbiological characteristics, including antibiotic susceptibility, were reviewed.
Main Results:
- Seven patients with E. lenta bacteremia were identified, with a mean age of 72.7 years.
- Six patients had pre-existing risk factors for bacterial infections.
- All isolates showed resistance to penicillin, high Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) for piperacillin/tazobactam, and low MICs for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid.
- All patients recovered without complications.
Conclusions:
- Eggerthella lenta can cause bacteremia, particularly in elderly patients with risk factors.
- Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid demonstrated effective activity against E. lenta bacteremia in this cohort.
- Further research into E. lenta infections and optimal treatment strategies is warranted.
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