Endocarditis caused by Gemella haemolysans

Abstract

Gemella haemolysans, a coccus related to the "Streptococcaceae", was isolated from the blood of a patient with endocarditis. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of penicillin G and tobramycin, followed by clindamycin. The taxonomy of this organism, especially its relationship to "Streptococcus morbillorum" is discussed and previously reported cases of Gemella infections are reviewed.

Characterization of a Gemella-like organism isolated from an abscess of a rabbit: description of Gemella cunicula sp. nov.

“…Gemella haemolysans and Gemella morbillorum are commensals of the mucous membranes of humans and some warmblooded animals and have been shown to cause severe localized and generalized infections in humans, particularly immunocompromised patients (e.g. Berger, 1992 ;Eggelmeier et al, 1992 ;Kaufhold et al, 1989 ;Mitchell & Teddy, 1986 ;Petit et al, 1993). During a study of Gemella-like organisms from human and animal sources, we recently described three other species of the genus, namely Gemella bergeri, Gemella sanguinis and Gemella palaticanis.…”

Prosthetic Ball Valve Endocarditis due to Gemella Species

“…These organisms have rarely been identified as a cause of infection, but several reports since 1982 have indicated that it can be associated with infectious endocarditis. [1][2][3][4][5] In our patient, Gemella spp. were detected in 7 blood culture samples out of 9, using a Rapid ID 32 Strep identification system.…”

“…These organisms have rarely been identified as a cause of infection and appear to be opportunistic pathogens, but since 1982 there have been a few reports of an association with infectious endocarditis. [1][2][3][4][5][6] There have only been 2 cases in Japan of infective endocarditis due to Gemella spp. 1,2 and no cases of prosthetic valve endocarditis due to these organisms have been reported in Japan.…”

Gemella sanguinis: A rare cause of native valve endocarditis in a child

“…8 Most cases of Gemella species endocarditis have been successfully treated with a combination of penicillin or vancomycin and an aminoglycoside for 2-4 weeks. 4,7,[9][10][11][12] In the present case, the diagnosis of G. sanguinis causing IE was made based on the isolation of the organism from both vegetations and blood sample. Identification was done by Vitek 2 and confirmed by biochemical reactions.…”