Empedobacter spp

  • E. brevi
  • E. falsenii
Gram Stain
  • Gram negative bacilli - nonfermenter

Clinical Significance

These organisms are found in a variety of environmental sources including hospital environments (water systems/wet surfaces).

They have been associated with outbreaks of post-surgical endophthlamitis, bacteremia, medical device related infections, as well as meningitis, sepsis, and pneumonia in neonates.

 

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

These organisms are resistant to aminoglycosides and most beta-lactams, including carbapenems due to chromosomal carbapenemase.

Susceptibility to quinolones and tetracyclines is variable.

 

Empiric Therapy
TMP/SMX
or
Ciprofloxacin