Eggerthella lenta bacteremia successfully treated with ceftizoxime: case report and review of the literature

Eggerthella lenta is a normal human microflora that is anaerobic, non-sporulating, and Gram positive. However, an increasing number of studies have shown that it could also be an important pathogen for humans, even causing life-threatening infection under certain conditions. However, understanding its pathogenic mechanism and treatment options still need to be improved; more clinical data are needed to explore it further. In this article, we report a case of ceftizoxime-cured E. lenta bacteremia and review the recent literature to provide more clinical data for the diagnosis of E. lenta bacteremia. Our report suggests that the frequency of E. lenta bacteremia is increased in patients with hematologic or solid organ cancer, diabetes mellitus and also in those with appendicitis.

Automated summary

Eggerthella lenta, a normal human microflora, has been shown to potentially become a significant pathogen causing life-threatening infections. However, further clinical data are needed to improve understanding of its pathogenic mechanism and treatment options.