Ewingella americana is a Gram-negative rod, and the only species in the genus Ewingella. It was first identified and characterized in 1983. Ewingella is in the family Yersiniaceae. The organism is rarely reported as a human pathogen, though it has been isolated from a variety of clinical specimens, including wounds, sputum, urine, stool, blood, synovial fluid,[2]conjunctiva, and peritoneal dialysate.[3] The bacterium is named in honor of William H. Ewing, an American biologist who contributed to modern taxonomy.
Respiratory-tract infections following retainment in intensive-care units has been observed in several instances. A case of E. americana causing osteomyelitis and septic arthritis of the shoulder joint in a previous intravenous drug abuser has also been reported.[4] Vascular bypass surgery is a reported risk factor for colonization.[5][6] Debate currently exists as to this organism's predilection for immunocompromised patients.[7]
Pathophysiology and biochemistry
E. americana is an organism with simple nutritional needs that can survive in water and citrate solution, and preferentially grows at 4°C. Domestic sources of water, including air conditioning units, ice baths, and wound irrigation systems, have been cited as sources of infection.[8]
↑Heizmann, W. R.; R. Michel (1991). "Isolation of Ewingella americana from a patient with conjunctivitis". Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 10 (11): 957–959. doi:10.1007/bf02005452. PMID1794367. S2CID8589322.
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