Dermabacter hominis

Updated : January 8, 2024

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Dermabacter hominis, a rare pathogenic bacterium, poses a threat primarily to immunocompromised individuals or those with chronic diseases. Formerly classified under Coryneform Centers for Disease Control and Prevention groups 3 and 5, it gained recognition as a distinct genus and species in 1994. The reported cases of D. hominis infections have been limited, primarily documented in Europe and North America.  

The incidence of D. hominis infections is exceptionally low, with only a handful of cases documented in the literature. A review by Fernandez-Natal et al. identified 16 cases of D. hominis infections, encompassing bacteremia, peritonitis, and wound infections, spanning the years 2001 to 2011. The reported mortality rate for these cases was noted at 18.8%.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the prevalence and occurrence of D. hominis infections may be underestimated due to the challenges associated with its identification through conventional methods. This difficulty may lead to misclassification as other coryneform bacteria, contributing to the limited understanding of its epidemiology. 

No endemics or outbreaks of Dermabacter hominis infections have been reported to date. The antimicrobial susceptibility of D. hominis exhibits variability among strains and testing methods. Notably, most isolates display resistance to daptomycin, a lipopeptide antibiotic with broad-spectrum activity against many gram-positive bacteria.  

 

Kingdom: Bacteria 

Phylum: Actinomycetota 

Class: Actinomycetia 

Order: Micrococcales 

Family: Dermabacteraceae 

Genus: Dermabacter 

Species: D. hominis  

Dermabacter hominis, a non-motile bacterium, exhibits a mesophilic nature, thriving within moderate temperature ranges. This rod-shaped organism forms distinct white, convex, and either creamy or dry colonies when cultivated on nutrient and blood agar.   

The composition of its cell wall includes meso-diaminopimelic acid, distinguishing it within the peptidoglycan structure while notably lacking the production of mycolic acid or endospores. 

D. hominis is characterized as an irregular gram-positive bacillus. Functionally, it demonstrates the ability to ferment various sugars, including glucose, maltose, sucrose, and lactose, highlighting its metabolic versatility.

 

The major phospholipid identified in D. hominis is plasmanyl-phosphatidylglycerol (pPG), characterized by one alkyl chain and one acyl chain in the glycerol moiety of the molecule. Concurrently, the major glycolipid (GL1) was studied using gas-liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance, revealing its structure as galactosyl-α-(1→2)-glucosyl-alkyl-acyl-glycerol.   

Lipid analyses demonstrated differences between daptomycin-resistant (DAP-R) and daptomycin-sensitive (DAP-S) strains, with DAP-R strains accumulating GL1 and reducing pPG. In contrast, DAP-S strains maintained high proportions of pPG. These findings highlight the existence of ether-linked lipids in D. hominis and reveal distinct lipid distributions associated with sensitivity or resistance to daptomycin.  

Dermabacter hominis is known to secrete enzymes such as catalase, ornithine decarboxylase, and lysine decarboxylase, potentially aiding the bacterium in evading the host immune system and utilizing amino acids as carbon sources. Studies have suggested its affiliation with the same subline as Arthrobacter and Micrococcus based on 16S rRNA gene analysis.  

Although the antigenic types of D. hominis are unknown, there may be some cross-reactivity with other coryneform bacteria like Corynebacterium and Brevibacterium. Notably, D. hominis exhibits resistance to daptomycin and erythromycin yet susceptibility to vancomycin, rifampin, and linezolid. The type strain, S69, was initially isolated from human skin and is deposited in various culture collections, including DSM 7083, ATCC 49369, and NCFB 2769. 

 

Dermabacter hominis, often an opportunistic pathogen, poses a risk primarily to individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic illnesses. The bacterium may initiate infections by invading the bloodstream or other tissues, particularly from the skin or mucosa, where it could be part of the normal flora.

In the process, D. hominis is known to produce various virulence factors, including lipoteichoic acid, peptidoglycan, and extracellular enzymes. These factors trigger inflammatory responses and cause tissue damage, contributing to the pathogenesis of infections associated with this bacterium. The exact transmission mode for D. hominis remains unclear, but potential sources of contamination include medical devices, catheters, needles, and environmental surfaces.

Additionally, cases have been associated with animal or insect bites, highlighting the diverse routes through which transmission may occur. Infections with D. hominis can manifest with symptoms such as fever, chills, pus formation, and impaired function of the affected organ or tissue. In severe cases, D. hominis infections may progress to fatal outcomes, leading to conditions like septic shock or multi-organ failure.  

 

The human host deploys a multifaceted defense system to safeguard against D. hominis. Physical barriers, encompassing the skin and mucous membranes, act as the primary defense by preventing the entry of pathogen into the body. Additionally, these barriers secrete antimicrobial substances like lysozyme, immunoglobulins, and iron-binding proteins, contributing to the prevention of microbial invasion. 

Mechanical defenses within the respiratory, urinary, & gastrointestinal tracts play a crucial role in physically eliminating D. hominis from the body. These mechanisms include the mucociliary epithelium, coughing, urine flow, and peristalsis, collectively working to expel pathogens. 

The normal flora residing on the skin contributes to host defense by engaging in competition with Dermabacter hominis for nutrients and cellular binding sites. Furthermore, they produce inhibitory substances such as organic acids, bacteriocins, and hydrogen peroxide, effectively impeding the growth of harmful microbes.

Chemical defenses are inherent in body fluids and tissues, equipped with various antimicrobial agents. These include the acidic pH of the stomach, bile salts from the liver, lysozyme in tears and saliva, the complement system in the blood, antimicrobial peptides in the skin and mucous membranes, as well as cytokines and inflammation-eliciting mediators produced by immune cells. 

Cellular defenses involve an array of immune cells designed to recognize and eliminate D. hominis. Granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, & basophils) and agranulocytes (monocytes, natural killer cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, & lymphocytes) collectively engage in processes such as engulfing & digesting D. hominis, releasing toxic substances, producing antibodies, and activating other immune cells. 

 

D. hominis, a rare bacterium, has been implicated in various infections, particularly in individuals with underlying health conditions. One notable clinical manifestation of hominis infection is bacteremia, marked by the presence of bacteria in the blood. This condition can induce symptoms such as fever and chills and may lead to sepsis.

Instances of D. hominis bacteremia have been documented in patients with end-stage renal disease, liver cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, and cancer, underscoring its association with compromised health states.

Another significant manifestation involves peritonitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the peritoneum. D. hominis peritonitis is notably linked to peritoneal dialysis, a treatment commonly employed for kidney failure.  

Furthermore, D. hominis has been associated with osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone. This condition can present with symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, and impaired function of the affected area. Reports indicate occurrences of D. hominis osteomyelitis in individuals with a history of trauma, surgery, or prosthetic implants, suggesting its capacity to exploit vulnerabilities related to compromised bone integrity. 

Cutaneous abscesses represent another clinical manifestation of D. hominis infection. These abscesses, characterized by collections of pus beneath the skin can induce localized symptoms such as pain, warmth, and drainage from the affected area.  

 

  • Culture Test:Dermabacter hominis can be isolated from clinical specimens, including blood, skin, or other tissues, through culturing on nutrient and blood agar. Characteristic colonies typically exhibit a white, convex, creamy, or dry appearance, often accompanied by an unpleasant odor. This traditional culture approach aids in the initial identification of the bacterium. 
  • Biochemical Tests: Identification of D. hominis involves biochemical tests, with the API Coryne V2.0 system being a commonly employed method. This system assesses various biochemical reactions, including catalase activity, gelatinase production, esculin hydrolysis, and carbohydrate fermentation. These tests contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the bacterium’s phenotype. 
  • Molecular Tests: Confirmation of D. hominis can be achieved through molecular methods such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing, which provides insights into its phylogenetic relationship with other bacteria. Rapid identification can also be facilitated by additional molecular techniques like PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry). 
  • Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests: Assessing the susceptibility or resistance of D. hominis to various antibiotics is crucial for determining appropriate treatment strategies. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests may include evaluating responses to antibiotics like rifampin, linezolid, daptomycin, and erythromycin, among others.  

 

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap & water, especially before and after handling medical devices, catheters, needles, or wounds. 
  • Avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Disinfect any objects or surfaces that may be contaminated using appropriate disinfectants. 
  • Avoid consuming uncooked foods washed with unboiled tap water. 
  • Refrain from drinking unboiled tap water, particularly when traveling in regions where the water supply may be compromised. 

 

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Dermabacter hominis

Updated : January 8, 2024

Mail Whatsapp PDF Image



Dermabacter hominis, a rare pathogenic bacterium, poses a threat primarily to immunocompromised individuals or those with chronic diseases. Formerly classified under Coryneform Centers for Disease Control and Prevention groups 3 and 5, it gained recognition as a distinct genus and species in 1994. The reported cases of D. hominis infections have been limited, primarily documented in Europe and North America.  

The incidence of D. hominis infections is exceptionally low, with only a handful of cases documented in the literature. A review by Fernandez-Natal et al. identified 16 cases of D. hominis infections, encompassing bacteremia, peritonitis, and wound infections, spanning the years 2001 to 2011. The reported mortality rate for these cases was noted at 18.8%.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the prevalence and occurrence of D. hominis infections may be underestimated due to the challenges associated with its identification through conventional methods. This difficulty may lead to misclassification as other coryneform bacteria, contributing to the limited understanding of its epidemiology. 

No endemics or outbreaks of Dermabacter hominis infections have been reported to date. The antimicrobial susceptibility of D. hominis exhibits variability among strains and testing methods. Notably, most isolates display resistance to daptomycin, a lipopeptide antibiotic with broad-spectrum activity against many gram-positive bacteria.  

 

Kingdom: Bacteria 

Phylum: Actinomycetota 

Class: Actinomycetia 

Order: Micrococcales 

Family: Dermabacteraceae 

Genus: Dermabacter 

Species: D. hominis  

Dermabacter hominis, a non-motile bacterium, exhibits a mesophilic nature, thriving within moderate temperature ranges. This rod-shaped organism forms distinct white, convex, and either creamy or dry colonies when cultivated on nutrient and blood agar.   

The composition of its cell wall includes meso-diaminopimelic acid, distinguishing it within the peptidoglycan structure while notably lacking the production of mycolic acid or endospores. 

D. hominis is characterized as an irregular gram-positive bacillus. Functionally, it demonstrates the ability to ferment various sugars, including glucose, maltose, sucrose, and lactose, highlighting its metabolic versatility.

 

The major phospholipid identified in D. hominis is plasmanyl-phosphatidylglycerol (pPG), characterized by one alkyl chain and one acyl chain in the glycerol moiety of the molecule. Concurrently, the major glycolipid (GL1) was studied using gas-liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance, revealing its structure as galactosyl-α-(1→2)-glucosyl-alkyl-acyl-glycerol.   

Lipid analyses demonstrated differences between daptomycin-resistant (DAP-R) and daptomycin-sensitive (DAP-S) strains, with DAP-R strains accumulating GL1 and reducing pPG. In contrast, DAP-S strains maintained high proportions of pPG. These findings highlight the existence of ether-linked lipids in D. hominis and reveal distinct lipid distributions associated with sensitivity or resistance to daptomycin.  

Dermabacter hominis is known to secrete enzymes such as catalase, ornithine decarboxylase, and lysine decarboxylase, potentially aiding the bacterium in evading the host immune system and utilizing amino acids as carbon sources. Studies have suggested its affiliation with the same subline as Arthrobacter and Micrococcus based on 16S rRNA gene analysis.  

Although the antigenic types of D. hominis are unknown, there may be some cross-reactivity with other coryneform bacteria like Corynebacterium and Brevibacterium. Notably, D. hominis exhibits resistance to daptomycin and erythromycin yet susceptibility to vancomycin, rifampin, and linezolid. The type strain, S69, was initially isolated from human skin and is deposited in various culture collections, including DSM 7083, ATCC 49369, and NCFB 2769. 

 

Dermabacter hominis, often an opportunistic pathogen, poses a risk primarily to individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic illnesses. The bacterium may initiate infections by invading the bloodstream or other tissues, particularly from the skin or mucosa, where it could be part of the normal flora.

In the process, D. hominis is known to produce various virulence factors, including lipoteichoic acid, peptidoglycan, and extracellular enzymes. These factors trigger inflammatory responses and cause tissue damage, contributing to the pathogenesis of infections associated with this bacterium. The exact transmission mode for D. hominis remains unclear, but potential sources of contamination include medical devices, catheters, needles, and environmental surfaces.

Additionally, cases have been associated with animal or insect bites, highlighting the diverse routes through which transmission may occur. Infections with D. hominis can manifest with symptoms such as fever, chills, pus formation, and impaired function of the affected organ or tissue. In severe cases, D. hominis infections may progress to fatal outcomes, leading to conditions like septic shock or multi-organ failure.  

 

The human host deploys a multifaceted defense system to safeguard against D. hominis. Physical barriers, encompassing the skin and mucous membranes, act as the primary defense by preventing the entry of pathogen into the body. Additionally, these barriers secrete antimicrobial substances like lysozyme, immunoglobulins, and iron-binding proteins, contributing to the prevention of microbial invasion. 

Mechanical defenses within the respiratory, urinary, & gastrointestinal tracts play a crucial role in physically eliminating D. hominis from the body. These mechanisms include the mucociliary epithelium, coughing, urine flow, and peristalsis, collectively working to expel pathogens. 

The normal flora residing on the skin contributes to host defense by engaging in competition with Dermabacter hominis for nutrients and cellular binding sites. Furthermore, they produce inhibitory substances such as organic acids, bacteriocins, and hydrogen peroxide, effectively impeding the growth of harmful microbes.

Chemical defenses are inherent in body fluids and tissues, equipped with various antimicrobial agents. These include the acidic pH of the stomach, bile salts from the liver, lysozyme in tears and saliva, the complement system in the blood, antimicrobial peptides in the skin and mucous membranes, as well as cytokines and inflammation-eliciting mediators produced by immune cells. 

Cellular defenses involve an array of immune cells designed to recognize and eliminate D. hominis. Granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, & basophils) and agranulocytes (monocytes, natural killer cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, & lymphocytes) collectively engage in processes such as engulfing & digesting D. hominis, releasing toxic substances, producing antibodies, and activating other immune cells. 

 

D. hominis, a rare bacterium, has been implicated in various infections, particularly in individuals with underlying health conditions. One notable clinical manifestation of hominis infection is bacteremia, marked by the presence of bacteria in the blood. This condition can induce symptoms such as fever and chills and may lead to sepsis.

Instances of D. hominis bacteremia have been documented in patients with end-stage renal disease, liver cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, and cancer, underscoring its association with compromised health states.

Another significant manifestation involves peritonitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the peritoneum. D. hominis peritonitis is notably linked to peritoneal dialysis, a treatment commonly employed for kidney failure.  

Furthermore, D. hominis has been associated with osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone. This condition can present with symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, and impaired function of the affected area. Reports indicate occurrences of D. hominis osteomyelitis in individuals with a history of trauma, surgery, or prosthetic implants, suggesting its capacity to exploit vulnerabilities related to compromised bone integrity. 

Cutaneous abscesses represent another clinical manifestation of D. hominis infection. These abscesses, characterized by collections of pus beneath the skin can induce localized symptoms such as pain, warmth, and drainage from the affected area.  

 

  • Culture Test:Dermabacter hominis can be isolated from clinical specimens, including blood, skin, or other tissues, through culturing on nutrient and blood agar. Characteristic colonies typically exhibit a white, convex, creamy, or dry appearance, often accompanied by an unpleasant odor. This traditional culture approach aids in the initial identification of the bacterium. 
  • Biochemical Tests: Identification of D. hominis involves biochemical tests, with the API Coryne V2.0 system being a commonly employed method. This system assesses various biochemical reactions, including catalase activity, gelatinase production, esculin hydrolysis, and carbohydrate fermentation. These tests contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the bacterium’s phenotype. 
  • Molecular Tests: Confirmation of D. hominis can be achieved through molecular methods such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing, which provides insights into its phylogenetic relationship with other bacteria. Rapid identification can also be facilitated by additional molecular techniques like PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry). 
  • Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests: Assessing the susceptibility or resistance of D. hominis to various antibiotics is crucial for determining appropriate treatment strategies. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests may include evaluating responses to antibiotics like rifampin, linezolid, daptomycin, and erythromycin, among others.  

 

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap & water, especially before and after handling medical devices, catheters, needles, or wounds. 
  • Avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Disinfect any objects or surfaces that may be contaminated using appropriate disinfectants. 
  • Avoid consuming uncooked foods washed with unboiled tap water. 
  • Refrain from drinking unboiled tap water, particularly when traveling in regions where the water supply may be compromised. 

 

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