AUTHOR=Kamboj Kamal , Vasquez Amber , Balada-Llasat Joan-Miquel 

TITLE=Identification and significance of Weissella species infections

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=6

YEAR=2015

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2015.01204

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2015.01204

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<p><italic>Weissella</italic> spp. are non-spore forming, catalase-negative, gram-positive coccobacilli. They are often misidentified by traditional and commercial phenotypic identification methods as <italic>Lactobacillus</italic> spp. or <italic>Lactobacillu</italic>s-like organisms. <italic>Weissella</italic> spp. were previously grouped along with <italic>Lactobacillus</italic> spp., <italic>Leuconostoc</italic> spp., and <italic>Pediococcus</italic> spp. Utilization of more sensitive methods like DNA sequencing or Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has facilitated identification of <italic>Weissella</italic> as a unique genus. Nineteen species have been identified to date. <italic>W. confusa, W. cibaria</italic>, and <italic>W. viridescens</italic> are the only species isolated from humans. The true prevalence of <italic>Weissella</italic> spp. continues to be probably underestimated. <italic>Weissella</italic> spp. strains have been isolated from a wide range of habitats including raw milk, feces, fermented cereals, and vegetables. <italic>Weisella</italic> is believed to be a rare cause of usually nonfatal infections in humans, and is often considered a contaminant. However, in recent years, <italic>Weissella</italic> spp. have been implicated in bacteremia, abscesses, prosthetic joint infections, and infective endocarditis. Alterations of the gut flora from surgery or chemotherapy are believed to facilitate translocation of <italic>Weissella</italic> spp. due to disruption of the mucosal barrier, predisposing the host to infection with this organism. Implications of the isolation of <italic>Weissella</italic> spp. from blood must be interpreted in context of underlying risk factors. <italic>Weissella</italic> spp. are inherently resistant to vancomycin. Therefore, early consideraton of the pathogenic role of this bacteria and choice of alternate therapy is important to assure better outcomes.</p>