Robinsoniella peoriensis: An emerging pathogen and rare cause of wound infection in children.

BACKGROUND

Robinsoniella peoriensis is an anaerobic gram-positive bacilli first isolated from swine manure in 2003 but has since been associated with human infections.

METHODS

We describe a pediatric case of R. peoriensis infection following a below-knee amputation for a limb injury and its treatment. Methods of identifying R. peoriensis and reported in vitro antimicrobial minimum inhibitory concentrations from the literature are reviewed.

RESULTS

R. peoriensis is readily identifiable via 16S rRNA gene sequencing and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight. There is variability in the antibiotic susceptibility profiles reported in the literature, but antibiotics with low in vitro minimum inhibitor concentrations against R. peoriensis include beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitors, carbapenems, vancomycin, and metronidazole.

CONCLUSION

This is the first reported case of R. peoriensis infection following a traumatic injury in Canada to our knowledge and highlights the importance of recognizing this organism and other anaerobes in settings where wounds are grossly contaminated with soil.