Abstract

Desulfovibrio desulfuricans Bacteremia and Review of Human Desulfovibrio Infections Ellie J. C. Goldstein 1 , 2 , * , Diane M. Citron 1 , Victoria A. Peraino 3 and Sally A. Cross 3 1 R. M. Alden Research Laboratory 2 Infectious Diseases Division 3 Microbiology Laboratory, St. John's Hospital Health Center, Santa Monica, California 90404 ABSTRACT One case of primary Desulfovibrio desulfuricans bacteremia in an immunocompetent man is presented, and 15 other reported cases are reviewed. While most isolates have not been identified to the species level, Desulfovibrio fairfieldensis and D. desulfuricans have been associated with incidents of bacteremia and D. vulgaris has been associated with intra-abdominal infections. In vitro studies suggest that empirical therapy with either imipenem or metronidazole should be considered.