Facklamia species

Background

Microbiology

• Genus of Gram-positive cocci"cocci" is not in the list (coccus, bacillus, coccobacillus, diplococcus, spirochete, curved, pleomorphic, yeast, mold) of allowed values for the "Shape" property. in chains or diplococci (or for F. languida, in clusters)
• Previously would have been identified as a viridans group streptococcus
• Includes five species:
  • Facklamia hominis
  • Facklamia ignava
  • Facklamia languida
  • Facklamia sourekii
  • Faklamia tabacinasalis

Clinical Presentation

• Rare opportunistic pathogen primarily presenting with bacteremia
• Case reports of vaginitis, wound infection, abscess, meningitis, and osteomyelitis

Management

• Similar to viridans groups streptococci
• Often susceptible to penicillins and cephalosporins, but not always (20 to 50% resistance)