Penicillin-Resistant Aerococcus viridans Bacteremia Associated with Bovine Severe Respiratory Syndrome

Jacopo Guccione, Sandra Nizza, Karina Mallardo, Antonietta Cantiello, Filomena Fiorito, Antonio Di Loria, Luisa De Martino

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Department of Pathology and Animal Health, Infectious Diseases Section, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy.

DOI: 10.4236/ojvm.2013.32021                

Abstract

Aerococcus viridans, a less frequently isolated bacteria, is a gram-positive, catalase-negative coccus, found singly or in tetrads, with biochemical and growth characteristics of streptococci and enterococci. This microorganism, usually susceptible to penicillin, is often found in the environment and is infrequently associated with human/veterinary infections. We described a case of Holstein Friesian female calf, 150-day-old, affected by respiratory emergencies. Following the clinical signs, radiographic analysis and bacteriological/molecular examinations carried out on blood culture, a diagnosis of severe broncho-pulmonary disease associate with a multidrug-resistant A. viridans bacteremia was done. The present case highlights the invasive nature of a saprophytic bacterium showing a broad profile of antibiotic-resistance including β-lactams. Furthermore, this report confirms that the effectiveness of an antibiotic therapy is based primarily on a sure diagnosis including susceptibility testing.

Keywords

Respiratory Syndrome; Aerococcus viridans; Antibiotic-Resistance

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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