Leuconostoc species

Background

Microbiology

• Gram-positive coccus similar to Streptococcus species
• Catalase negative, alpha-hemolytic or gamma-hemolytic, and Lancefield group D
• Includes six species, of which Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Leuconostoc paramesenteroides are more common

Epidemiology

• Found on food, including vegetables, dairy, and processed meats, as well as vaginal and gastrointestinal tract

Clinical Manifestations

• Can colonize mucosal surfaces as well as gastrostomy and tracheostomy sites
• Often a contaminant, but can cause line infections, cardiac device infections, and endocarditis

Management

• Intrinsically resistant to vancomycin