A 5-year retrospective study of Actinomyces odontolyticus bacteremia in the state of Qatar, case series

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Manifestations of infection by A. odontolyticus include thoracic, abdominal, pelvic, and central nervous system disease. In the four decades following its isolation, more than 20 cases of invasive infections were reported in multiple geographic locations including the United States and Europe. As such, A. odontolyticus is an emerging bacterium and related research is encouraged for further characterization of its prevalence and clinical significance. Our case series represents the first case series about A. odontolyticus bacteremia in the state of Qatar. METHODS: We are reporting 15 cases with isolated A. odontolyticus positive blood cultures at Hamad Medical Corporation, State of Qatar from 1/Jan/2016 to 1/Nov/2020. Electronic health records (EHR) of patients who were identified to have positive blood cultures were accessed and the demographics and other clinically related data were collected and mentioned in this manuscript, after obtaining the appropriate approval from the Corporation Medical Research Council (MRC). OUTCOMES: We are reporting 15 cases with isolated A. odontolyticus positive blood cultures at Hamad Medical Corporation, State of Qatar from 1/Jan/2016 to 1/Nov/2020. CONCLUSION: 12 of the 15 reported cases were considered significant and received a complete course of antimicrobial therapy. The patients presented with a wide variety of clinical pictures and were of variable age.