Postpartum endometritis and obstetrical sepsis associated with Eggerthella lenta. Case report and review of the literature

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2021 Jan;34(2):313-317. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1602602. Epub 2019 Apr 12.

Abstract

Sepsis, associated with Eggerthella lenta is rarely reported, despite current possibilities for microorganisms isolation and identification. About 100 cases of bacteriemia associated with this pathogen have been reported so far. Postpartum infectious complications are mostly associated with bacterial inhabitants of gastrointestinal tract and vagina, including obligatory anaerobes. This case report highlights E. lenta-associated severe endometritis complicated by abdominal sepsis in a young healthy woman, and the challenges of antibacterial therapy.

Keywords: Eggerthella lenta; Postpartum endometritis; bacteriemia; infectious complications; obstetrical sepsis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actinobacteria
  • Bacteremia*
  • Endometritis* / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections*
  • Humans
  • Postpartum Period
  • Sepsis*

Supplementary concepts

  • Eggerthella lenta