Aerococcus species

Microbiology

• Gram-positive coccus
• Notable species
  • A. urinae, which causes urinary tract infections
  • A. sanguinicola, often a contaminant
  • A. viridans, often a contaminant
• Presumed resistance in vivo to TMP-SMX, even though it may appear susceptible in vitro
  • It can acquire folate from the host's urine, counteracting the antibiotic

Clinical Presentation

• A. urinae causes UTI and endocarditis (often following UTI in older men)

Management

• Penicillin ± aminoglycoside