Eikenella corrodens in human bites.

Eikenella corrodens, a gram negative rod, was cultured in about one third of 24 patients with human bite wounds. The organism was sensitive to penicillin but not to methicillin. Clinically the infections in which Eikenella corrodens were found were not different from other infections. Because of the variety of possible pathogens in human bite infections, we start the patients on a broad spectrum antibiotic while awaiting the results of the culture and sensitivity. However, antibiotics alone are not sufficient treatment in HBI; 20 of 24 patients in this series required surgical drainage. Surgical treatment consists of thorough exploration, exteriorization and excision of devitalized tissues. Complications were more frequent in sutured wounds, or when surgical drainage was delayed.