Leuconostoc species: a case-cluster hospital infection

Scand J Infect Dis. 1999;31(4):371-3. doi: 10.1080/00365549950163815.

Abstract

Leuconostoc species are members of the Streptococcacae family. They are generally regarded as non-pathogenic culture contaminants and are thought to be an uncommon cause of infection. We present a study of a case-cluster nosocomial infection due to Leuconostoc spp. Three patients were hospitalized at the time of the infection with significant underlying diseases and all had a compromised skin and mucous barriers. Two had received previous antibiotic therapy. This report highlights the importance of Leuconostoc spp. as an emerging pathogen, even though the modes of transmission and reservoirs of Leuconostoc spp. are as yet unknown.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacteremia / diagnosis
  • Bacteremia / drug therapy
  • Bacteremia / epidemiology*
  • Causality
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Cross Infection / diagnosis
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology*
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / therapeutic use
  • Exudates and Transudates / microbiology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / diagnosis
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / drug therapy
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Leuconostoc / isolation & purification*
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents