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Am J Perinatol 2009; 26(1): 089-091
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1103025
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Leuconostoc Septicemia in a Preterm Neonate on Vancomycin Therapy: Case Report and Literature Review

Ginger Janow1 , Binta Lambert1 , 2 , Melissa Scheiner1 , 2 , Orna Rosen1 , 2 , David L. Goldman1 , 3 , Lamia Soghier1 , 2
  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, New York
  • 2Division of Neonatology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, New York
  • 3Division of Infectious Disease, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, New York
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Publication History

Publication Date:
21 November 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

We report the case of a 26-day-old premature infant born at 24 weeks' gestation who developed septicemia while receiving vancomycin therapy. The blood isolate initially identified as a vancomycin-resistant Streptococcous viridans was found to be Leuconostoc spp. Her condition improved with parenteral ampicillin and gentamicin therapy and removal of the intravenous central catheter. Prematurity is a recognized risk factor for Leuconostoc disease. Clinicians need to consider Leuconostoc spp. when vancomycin-resistant pathogens are identified and provide appropriate therapy.

KEYWORDS

Leuconostoc - preterm - neonate - septicemia - vancomycin-resistant - streptococcus

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Dr. Lamia Soghier

Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Children's Hospital at Montefiore

Email: lsoghier@montefiore.org