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Characterization of Brevibacterium spp. from clinical specimens
E Gruner1, G E Pfyffer, A von Graevenitz
1Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zürich, Switzerland.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Brevibacterium species were identified in clinical samples, potentially causing peritonitis in dialysis patients. Cellular fatty acid profiles aid in distinguishing these bacteria from similar species.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Nonfermenting coryneform bacteria, including Brevibacterium spp., are increasingly recognized in clinical settings.
- Distinguishing Brevibacterium spp. from other similar bacteria can be challenging due to shared biochemical inactivity and nonmotile characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize Brevibacterium species isolated from clinical specimens.
- To investigate the potential role of Brevibacterium spp. in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) peritonitis.
- To evaluate the utility of cellular fatty acid profiles for bacterial identification.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of bacteria from clinical specimens, including peritoneal fluid.
- Cell wall and lipid analyses for genus confirmation.
- Cellular fatty acid profiling for strain differentiation.
- In vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing.
Main Results:
- Brevibacterium spp. were isolated from clinical specimens, with four strains linked to CAPD peritonitis and five likely representing skin contaminants.
- Cell wall and lipid analyses confirmed the genus identification.
- Cellular fatty acid profiles provided distinctive characteristics for differentiating these strains from other coryneform species.
Conclusions:
- Brevibacterium spp. can be implicated in CAPD peritonitis.
- Cellular fatty acid analysis is a valuable tool for the accurate identification and differentiation of Brevibacterium species.
- Understanding the antibiotic susceptibilities of these isolates is crucial for effective treatment.