Rhizobium spp

Gram Stain

• Gram negative bacilli - nonfermenter

Clinical Significance

These organisms are plant pathogens considered to be of low virulence potential.

They have been associated with prosthetic valve endocarditis, septicemia, peritonitis, endophthalmitis, medical device related and urinary tract infections usually in immunocompromised patients.

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

These organisms are usually resistant to narrow spectrum penicillins, cephalosporins, and tobramycin (but not gentamicin).

They are usually susceptible to ceftriaxone, carbapenems, tetracyclines, TMP/SMX, and quinolones.