An unusual case of multiple hepatic and pulmonary abscesses caused by Aggregatibacter aphrophilus in a young man: a case report

Background Aggregatibacter aphrophilus, formerly known as Haemophilus aphrophilus, belongs to the HACEK organisms, a group of pathogens classically associated with infectious endocarditis. A. aphrophilus is a rarely found pathogen, though abscess formation in various organs has been described, typically due to spread from an infected heart valve. Here we describe the unusual case of multiple hepatic abscesses caused by A. aphrophilus. Case presentation A 33-year-old Caucasian man presented at our hospital with fever and malaise, elevated inflammatory markers, and liver enzymes. Imaging was compatible with multiple liver and pulmonary abscesses, without evidence of endocarditis. Cultures of blood and liver abscess material remained without growth. Polymerase chain reaction finally revealed Aggregatibacter aphrophilus in the liver tissue. The patient recovered fully within 6 weeks of doxycycline treatment. Conclusions There are only a few case descriptions of liver abscesses caused by A. aphrophilus. As a ubiquitous organism in the gastrointestinal tract, A. aphrophilus may reach the liver via the portal venous system, as well as through hematogenous spread from the oropharynx. HACEK organisms are notoriously difficult to grow on culture, which highlights the diagnostic importance of eubacterial PCR.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans en enfermedad periodontal crónica

<p>La enfermedad periodontal se asocia a un grupo de microorganismos denominados periodontopatógenos por los factores de virulencia que los caracterizan, entre ellos enzimas, toxinas y elementos estructurales que agreden los tejidos periodontales del huésped. Los más asociados son Porphyromona gingivalis, <strong>T </strong>annerella forsytensis, Treponema dentícola y Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa). <strong>El </strong>objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la presencia de Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans en individuos diagnosticados con enfermedad periodontal crónica. Se seleccionaron SS pacientes y se tomaron muestras de placa subgingival con conos de papel absorbente. Se transportaron al laboratorio de Microbiología y fueron procesadas en medio TSVB. Se estudió la morfología colonial y la microscopía. En los 1 1 O sitios estudiados no se obtuvo desarrollo del microorganismo; se aislaroncolonias que se correspondían con morfología de cocobacilos Gram negativos característicos de Aa; podrían ser compatibles con Haemophilus aphrophilus, microorganismo común en la cavidad bucal y en surcos gingivales.</p>

Complete Genome Sequence of Aggregatibacter (Haemophilus) aphrophilus NJ8700

ABSTRACT We report the finished and annotated genome sequence of Aggregatibacter aphrophilus strain NJ8700, a strain isolated from the oral flora of a healthy individual, and discuss characteristics that may affect its dual roles in human health and disease. This strain has a rough appearance, and its genome contains genes encoding a type VI secretion system and several factors that may participate in host colonization.