Brevibacterium spp

Gram Stain

• Gram positive bacilli short - become coccoid in culture (aerobic)

Clinical Significance

These organisms are found in dairy products and are low level pathogens.

They have rarely been associated with bacteremia, meningitis, peritonitis, medical device related infections, and osteomyelitis in immunocompromised patients. They have been implicated in malodorous feet.

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

These organisms are typically susceptible to doxycycline, vancomycin, and rifampin.

They are resistant to penicillin and may also be resistant to cephalosporins, macrolides, clindamycin, and quinolones.