Rothia mucilaginosa, an important cause of invasive disease in children
with leukemia: Report of 2 cases and review of the literature
- Valentina Gutierrez,
- Carolina Cerda,
- Alex Alcantara,
- Ximena Claverie
Carolina Cerda
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile Facultad de Medicina
Author ProfileAlex Alcantara
Complejo Asistencial Doctor Sotero del Rio
Author ProfileXimena Claverie
Complejo Asistencial Doctor Sotero del Rio
Author ProfileAbstract
Rothia mucilaginosa is an opportunistic agent detected in the upper
respiratory tract and oral cavity in humans. Immunocompromised hosts
have more risk to develop severe infections. We present a short review
and two clinical cases of Rothia mucilaginosa bloodstream infection in
children with leukemia, one of them with endocarditis. Both were
completely recovered. Predisposing factors for Rothia mucilaginosa
infection include profound and prolonged neutropenia, use of central
venous catheter, mucositis and high dose steroid. It is important to
consider this bacterium as an emerging causative agent of severe
infection in immunocompromised patients, especially in the presence of
the mentioned factors.