Actinobaculum schaalii is an emerging uropathogen. So far, its identification has been performed with 16S rRNA gene sequencing or PCR. The diagnosis has often been delayed due to fastidious growth and identification problems. Eleven clinical isolates of A. schaalii from bloodstream infections that were initially identified with 16S rRNA sequencing analysis were recovered and later identified with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF). We present a review of bacteriological data of these patients, an algorithm for fast laboratory work-up and advocate the use of sensitized culture of urine to allow better recovery of A. schaalii in susceptible patients.
Keywords: Actinobaculum schaalii infection; Gram-positive rod; bacteriological diagnostics; emerging infections; urinary tract infection.