Eikenella corrodens as an intra-abdominal pathogen.

Eikenella corrodens is a facultative anaerobe found as normal flora in the oral cavity, gastrointestinal system, and genitourinary tracts. It is most often associated with infections of the head and neck or those due to human bite wounds. However, the organism can be an important pathogen in intra-abdominal infections. Our case report and review of the literature revealed 19 cases of E. corrodens infections of the intra-abdominal cavity. The most common intra-abdominal site of infection was the appendix, noted in seven of the 19 reported cases. Abscess formation was noted in 15 of the 19 reports. The clinical course of the infection in most patients appeared to be indolent, evolving over several days. The majority (11 of 19) of patients described in these cases were less than 25 years old. E. corrodens is usually found concomitantly with other organisms. There appears to be a specific association between E. corrodens and streptococcal species. The drugs of choice for treatment of infections due to E. corrodens are ampicillin, penicillin, or a second generation cephalosporin. This organism is resistant to drugs traditionally active against anaerobic organisms, such as clindamycin and metronidazole.