Desulfovibrio desulfuricans bacteremia and review of human Desulfovibrio infections

One case of primary Desuffiovibrio desulfricans bacteremia in an immunocompetent man is presented, and 15 other reported cases are reviewed. While most isolates have not been identified to the species level, Desulfiovibrio fairfieldensis and D. desulfuricans have been associated with incidents of bacteremia and D. vulgaris has been associated with intra-abdominal infections. In vitro studies suggest that empirical therapy with either imipenem or metronidazole should be considered.