Leuconostoc
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2]
Overview
Leuconostoc[1] is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria, placed within the family of Leuconostocaceae. They are generally ovoid cocci often forming chains. Leuconostoc sp. are intrinsically resistant to vancomycin and are catalase-negative (which distinguishes them from staphylococci). All species within this genus are heterofermentative and are able to produce dextran from sucrose. They are generally slime-forming.
Blamed for causing the ‘stink’ when creating a sourdough starter. Some species are also capable of causing human infection.[2] Because they are an uncommon cause of disease in humans, standard commercial identification kits are often unable to identify the organism[3].
Treatment
Antimicrobial regimen
- Leuconostoc [4]
- Preferred regimen (1): Penicillin G
- Preferred regimen (2): Ampicillin
- Alternative regimen (1): Clindamycin
- Alternative regimen (2): Erythromycin
- Alternative regimen (3): Minocycline
References
- ↑ Björkroth, J., and W. Holzapfel. 2006. Genera Leuconostoc, Oenococcus and Weissella, p.267 -319. In M. Dworkin (ed.), The prokaryotes: a handbook on the biology of bacteria: Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, vol. 4, 3rd ed. Springer-Verlag, New York, NY. [1]
- ↑ Vagiakou-Voudris E, Mylona-Petropoulou D, Kalogeropoulou E, Chantzis A, Chini S, Tsiodra P, Malamou-Lada E (2002). “Scand J Infect Dis”. 34 (10): 766&ndash, 7. PMID 12477331.
- ↑ Kulwichit W, Nilgate S, Chatsuwan T; et al. (2007). “Accuracies of Leuconostoc phenotypic identification: a comparison of API systems and conventional phenotypic assays”. BMC Infectious Diseases. 7: 69. doi:10.1186/1471-2334-7-69.
- ↑ Gilbert, David (2015). The Sanford guide to antimicrobial therapy. Sperryville, Va: Antimicrobial Therapy. ISBN 978-1930808843.
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