Hungatella hathewayi
Hungatella hathewayi: An Emerging Pathogen with Clinical Significance
Description
Hungatella hathewayi is a Gram-negative, anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium belonging to the Eggerthella genus. It is a relatively newly discovered species, first isolated in 2000 from a wound infection. Hungatella hathewayi is a commensal bacterium, meaning it can live harmlessly in the human body, primarily residing in the gastrointestinal tract.
Associated Diseases
While Hungatella hathewayi is usually harmless, it has been associated with various infections, including:
- Intra-abdominal infections: Hungatella hathewayi has been implicated in infections such as appendicitis, peritonitis, and intra-abdominal abscesses.
- Skin and soft tissue infections: It has been isolated from infected wounds, surgical sites, and pressure ulcers.
- Bloodstream infections: Bacteremia caused by Hungatella hathewayi, though rare, can be severe and life-threatening.
- Central nervous system infections: It has been identified in cases of meningitis and brain abscesses.
- Other infections: Hungatella hathewayi has also been associated with infections in the lung, female genital tract, and bone.
Did you Know ?
In a study of intra-abdominal infections, Hungatella hathewayi was identified in 19% of cases where it was the sole pathogen, highlighting its potential significance as a causative agent of such infections.
