Background
- Genus of Gram-positive coccobacilli 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
- 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 mucilaginosa
- Case reports of endocarditis, meningitis, peritonitis, bone and joint infections, pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infection, endophthalmitis, and prosthetic joint infection
