Hafnia alvei

Gram Stain

• Gram negative bacilli - fermenter

Clinical Significance

This organism is found in environmental sources and the human gastrointestinal tract.

It is associated with opportunistic infections including bacteremia, meningitis and respiratory, urinary, and wound infections. It has also been implicated in gastroenteritis.

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

Some isolates produce an inducible cephalosporinase (AmpC) resulting in resistance to penicillins (including beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations) and cephalosporins.

This organism is typically susceptible to aminoglycosides, TMP/SMX, quinolones, and carbapenems.

Susceptibility to tetracyclines is variable.