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Eikenella corrodens as an intra-abdominal pathogen

L H Danziger1, L L Schoonover, P Kale

  • 1Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago 60612.

The American Surgeon
|April 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Eikenella corrodens, a normal oral flora, can cause serious intra-abdominal infections, particularly appendicitis. Treatment typically involves ampicillin, penicillin, or cephalosporins, as it resists common anaerobic antibiotics.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Eikenella corrodens is a facultative anaerobic bacterium commonly found in human oral and genitourinary flora.
  • While often associated with head/neck infections and human bites, its role as an intra-abdominal pathogen is increasingly recognized.

Observation:

  • A review identified 19 intra-abdominal E. corrodens infections, with the appendix being the most common site (7 cases).
  • Abscess formation occurred in 15 cases, often presenting indolently over several days.
  • The majority of affected patients (11/19) were under 25 years old.

Findings:

  • E. corrodens frequently co-occurs with other bacteria, showing a notable association with streptococcal species.
  • Ampicillin, penicillin, and second-generation cephalosporins are effective treatments.
  • The organism exhibits resistance to clindamycin and metronidazole, commonly used for anaerobic infections.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering E. corrodens in intra-abdominal infections, especially appendiceal abscesses.
  • Informs appropriate antibiotic selection, emphasizing the need to avoid clindamycin and metronidazole.
  • Suggests further research into the synergistic mechanisms between E. corrodens and other bacteria like streptococci.

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