EIKENELLA-CORRODENS AS AN INTRAABDOMINAL PATHOGEN

Eikenella corrodens is a facultative anaerobe found as normal flora in the oral cavity, gastrointestinal system, and genitourinary tracts. I t is most often associated with infections of the head and neck or tho se due to human bite wounds. However, the organism can be an important pathogen in intra-abdominal infections. Our case report and review of the literature revealed 19 cases of E. corrodens infections of the in tra-abdominal cavity. The most common intra-abdominal site of infectio n was the appendix, noted in seven of the 19 reported cases. Abscess f ormation was noted in 15 of the 19 reports. The clinical course of the infection in most patients appeared to be indolent, evolving over sev eral days. The majority (11 of 19) of patients described in these case s were less than 25 years old. E. corrodens is usually found concomita ntly with other organisms. There appears to be a specific association between E. corrodens and streptococcal species. The drugs of choice fo r treatment of infections due to E. corrodens are ampicillin, penicill in, or a second generation cephalosporin. This organism is resistant t o drugs traditionally active against anaerobic organisms, such as clin damycin and metronidazole.