Photorhabdus species: bioluminescent bacteria as emerging human pathogens?

Emerg Infect Dis. 2003 Feb;9(2):251-4. doi: 10.3201/eid0902.020222.

Abstract

We report two Australian patients with soft tissue infections due to Photorhabdus species. Recognized as important insect pathogens, Photorhabdus spp. are bioluminescent gram-negative bacilli. Bacteria belonging to the genus are emerging as a cause of both localized soft tissue and disseminated infections in humans in the United States and Australia. The source of infection in humans remains unknown.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / epidemiology
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / microbiology*
  • Culture Media
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / epidemiology*
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Luminescent Measurements
  • Male
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Photorhabdus / chemistry
  • Photorhabdus / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Culture Media