Rothia

Background

• Genus of Gram-positive coccobacilli within the family Micrococcaceae that can form filamentous branches
• Normal oral flora in humans
• Associated with dental caries and periodontal disease
• Species of importance include:
  • Rothia mucilaginosa (most common cause of disease in humans)
  • Rothia dentocariosa
  • Rothia aeria
  • Rothia nasimurium
  • Rothia amarae
  • Rothia terrae
• Risk factors for infection include immunocompromise, particularly hematologic malignancy and severe neutropenia
  • Other risk factors include diabetes mellitus, alcohol use disorder, chronic liver disease, and HIV infection

Clinical Manfestations

• Rare causes of bacteremia and line infection, most in immunocompromised patients
  • Almost always caused by Rothia mucilaginosa1
• Case reports of endocarditis, meningitis, peritonitis, bone and joint infections, pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infection, endophthalmitis, and prosthetic joint infection