Leuconostoc species-associated endocarditis.
Leuconostoc species are gram-positive cocci belonging to the Streptococcaceae family. The species were generally regarded as nonpathogenic and of little importance in clinical microbiology until several occurrences of Leuconostoc infections were reported in the literature. Unlike many gram-positive bacteria, Leuconostoc species commonly demonstrate high-level resistance to vancomycin, with preserved sensitivity to most other antibacterial agents. We describe a 55-year-old man who developed endocarditis caused by Leuconostoc species sensitive to vancomycin. The patient received an aortic valve replacement and was treated with penicillin G and gentamicin; he experienced no further complications.
Starr
Jessica A
JA
Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy, Birmingham, Alabama, USA. jas0003@auburn.edu
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001021:Aortic Valve; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; D006801:Humans; D007934:Leuconostoc / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D008297:Male; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008875:Middle Aged; D010400:Penicillin G / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014640:Vancomycin / Q000494:pharmacology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005839:Gentamicins; D014640:Vancomycin; D010400:Penicillin G