ABSTRACT
Using 16S rRNA and rpoB gene sequencing, we identified 6 patients infected with Elizabethkingia bruuniana treated at E-Da Hospital (Kaohsiung, Taiwan) during 2005-2017. We describe patient characteristics and the molecular characteristics of the E. bruuniana isolates, including their MICs. Larger-scale studies are needed for more robust characterization of this pathogen.
Subject(s)
Flavobacteriaceae Infections/epidemiology , Flavobacteriaceae Infections/microbiology , Flavobacteriaceae , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases/genetics , Female , Flavobacteriaceae/classification , Flavobacteriaceae/drug effects , Flavobacteriaceae/genetics , Flavobacteriaceae Infections/history , History, 21st Century , Humans , Male , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Middle Aged , Phylogeny , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Taiwan/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Elizabethkingia species often exhibit extensive antibiotic resistance and result in high morbidity and mortality, yet no systematic reviews exist that thoroughly characterize and quantify concerns for infected infants and children. We performed a review of literature and identified an initial 902 articles; 96 articles reporting 283 pediatric cases met our inclusion criteria and were subsequently reviewed. Case reports spanned 28 countries and ranged from 1944 to 2017. Neonatal meningitis remains the most common presentation of this organism in children, along with a range of other clinical manifestations. The majority of reported cases occurred as isolated cases, rather than within outbreaks. Mortality was high but has decreased in recent years, although neurologic sequelae among survivors remains concerning. Child outcomes can be improved through effective prevention measures and early identification and treatment of infected patients.
