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Introduction

Aerococcus viridans is a gram-positive coccus. It rarely infects humans. However, it thrives in hospital environments and the air. Moreover, it causes urinary tract infections, endocarditis, and bacteremia. For example, laboratories isolate it from urine, blood, and other specimens. Therefore, clinicians must understand its features. Specifically, it remains catalase-negative and oxidase-negative. Consequently, it is mistaken for other bacteria. Similarly, it resembles streptococci on blood agar. However, advanced methods help identify it accurately. Finally, Aerococcus viridans poses diagnostic challenges.

Morphology

Aerococcus viridans forms gram-positive cocci. It arranges in tetrads and irregular clusters. Moreover, it stays catalase-negative. It grows as a microaerophilic, facultatively anaerobic bacterium. Additionally, its colony resembles viridans streptococci. Furthermore, its colonies appear on blood agar as small, creamy forms. Consequently, it shows alpha-hemolysis and tests positive for leucine aminopeptidase. Finally, laboratories often misidentify it as Streptococcus or Enterococcus.

Pathogenicity

Aerococcus viridans causes opportunistic infections. It infects immunocompromised humans and animals. For example, it triggers urinary tract infections in vulnerable hosts. Furthermore, it causes endocarditis, a serious heart infection. Moreover, it produces bacteremia and septicemia in susceptible individuals. In addition, it has been linked to meningitis, septic arthritis, and cellulitis. Notably, it forms an acidic polysaccharide capsule. Also, it resists agglutinins to evade immune responses. Finally, it utilizes host resources to cause disease.

Lab Diagnosis

Clinicians observe gram-positive cocci in laboratory slides. They notice alpha-hemolytic colonies on blood agar. Moreover, laboratories face misidentification challenges. Therefore, they use catalase and oxidase tests to differentiate. Additionally, MALDI-TOF MS improves diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing confirms its identity. Consequently, laboratories combine methods for precise diagnosis. Finally, susceptibility testing guides effective treatment.

Treatment

Clinicians treat Aerococcus viridans with beta-lactam antibiotics. They often use penicillin or ampicillin as first-line therapy. Moreover, they choose vancomycin for penicillin-allergic patients. In some cases, ceftriaxone proves effective. Therefore, they combine aminoglycosides in endocarditis treatment. Additionally, they use prolonged intravenous therapy for severe infections. Consequently, early antibiotic use improves patient outcomes.

Prevention

Medical teams prevent infections through rapid identification. They use MALDI-TOF MS for quick diagnosis. Moreover, staff follow strict hygiene practices. Additionally, they screen high-risk patients early. Therefore, they initiate prompt antimicrobial therapy. Furthermore, standard disinfection protocols reduce the spread. Finally, proper personal protective equipment (PPE) prevents contamination.

Keynotes

• Aerococcus viridans is a gram-positive coccus.
• It frequently forms tetrads and clusters.
• Moreover, it remains catalase-negative and oxidase-negative.
• It causes urinary tract infections, endocarditis, and bacteremia.
• Additionally, laboratories may misidentify it as streptococci.
• Consequently, advanced methods like MALDI-TOF enhance accuracy.
• Furthermore, precise identification guides effective treatment.
• Finally, Aerococcus viridans remains a rare emerging pathogen.