Enterococcus hiraeBacteremia Associated with Acute Pancreatitis and Septic Shock

Abstract

Infection with Enterococcus hirae has rarely been reported in humans but is not uncommon in mammals and birds. We describe a case of Enterococcus hirae bacteremia associated with acute pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis, and septic shock responsive to antibiotic therapy and supportive critical care management. Unique aspects of this case of Enterococcus hirae bacteremia are its association with acute pancreatitis and its geographical origin. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Enterococcus hirae bacteremia occurring in a patient in the United States. Although human infection with this organism appears to be rare, all cases reported to date describe bacteremia associated with severe and life-threatening illness. Thus, physicians need to be cognizant of the clinical significance of this heretofore little recognized pathogen.

Community analysis of dental plaque and endotracheal tube biofilms from mechanically ventilated patients

“…This microorganism is mainly associated with disease in mammals and birds and is considered a rare pathogen in humans [46]. However, there have been recent reports of urinary tract infections and severe bacteraemia caused by this species [47,48]. These reports combined with an understanding that other members of the Enterococcus family (E. faecalis and E. faecium) behave as opportunistic pathogens [49], makes E. hirae colonisation clinically relevant.…”

The “Three Cs” of Novel Antibiotic Discovery and Production through Synthetic Biology: Biosynthetic Gene Clusters, Heterologous Chassis, and Synthetic Microbial Consortia

“…and human pathogenic bacteria, [ B. subtilis , methicillin‐sensitive S. aureus , MRSA, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ] . The work Park et al carried out led to identification of a new polyketide glycoside, gordonic acid, which showed weak activity against Micrococcus luteus and Enterococcus hirae (bacteria previously implicated in septic shock cases) . This small molecule might be an interesting candidate for combinatorial biosynthesis approaches to improve yields.…”

Complete Genome Sequence of Enterococcus hirae R17, a Daptomycin-Resistant Bacterium Isolated from Retail Pork in China

“…DAP-resistant Enterococcus hirae R17 was isolated from retail pork sold at a free-trade market in Beijing, China. Human infection with E. hirae appears to be exceedingly rare, based on published reports, but all such cases involved bacteremia with severe illness ( 7 ). Therefore, the complete genome sequence of strain R17 was carried out in order to provide the genetic basis for DAP resistance mechanisms of E. hirae in the future.…”