Clinical features and outcomes of bacteremia caused by Enterococcus casseliflavus and Enterococcus gallinarum: analysis of 56 cases

Clin Infect Dis. 2004 Jan 1;38(1):53-61. doi: 10.1086/380452. Epub 2003 Dec 5.

Abstract

The clinical significance and virulence potential of Enterococcus casseliflavus/flavescens and Enterococcus gallinarum are still uncertain. We retrospectively analyzed 56 cases of significant bacteremia caused by E. casseliflavus or E. gallinarum. Of these cases, 25 (44.6%) were associated with polymicrobial bacteremia, and 43 (76.8%) were associated with entry via the biliary tract. Resistance to vancomycin was observed in 17 (30.4%) of these 56 patients, and this resistance was significantly associated with E. gallinarum bacteremia (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 10.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.41-46.27) and bacteremia without biliary tract origin (AOR, 6.74; 95% CI, 1.44-31.67). The crude mortality rate was 13%, and the bacteremia-related mortality rate was 1.9%. In conclusion, bacteremia due to E. casseliflavus and E. gallinarum is commonly associated with biliary tract disease and may be associated with a low risk of mortality.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bacteremia / complications
  • Bacteremia / epidemiology
  • Bacteremia / microbiology*
  • Bacteremia / physiopathology
  • Biliary Tract Diseases / complications*
  • Biliary Tract Diseases / mortality
  • Enterococcus*
  • Female
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / complications
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / epidemiology
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / microbiology*
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged