Facklamia

Facklamia is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria within the family Aerococcaceae. This genus was first described in 1997 and is named in honor of the microbiologist Richard R. Facklam.

Characteristics

Facklamia species are cocci that typically appear in pairs or short chains. They are facultatively anaerobic, meaning they can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen. These bacteria are catalase-negative and oxidase-negative, which are important characteristics for their identification in the laboratory.

Morphology

Under the microscope, Facklamia species appear as small, spherical cells. They are non-motile and do not form spores. The cell wall structure is typical of Gram-positive bacteria, with a thick peptidoglycan layer.

Growth Conditions

Facklamia species grow optimally at temperatures between 30°C and 37°C. They can be cultured on standard media such as blood agar, where they may produce small, alpha-hemolytic colonies.

Species

The genus Facklamia includes several species, some of which are:

• Facklamia hominis
• Facklamia languida
• Facklamia ignava

Each species has unique characteristics and may be associated with different clinical conditions.

Clinical Significance

Facklamia species are considered opportunistic pathogens. They have been isolated from various human clinical specimens, including blood, urine, and wound exudates. Infections caused by Facklamia are rare but can occur in immunocompromised individuals.

Infections

Facklamia species have been implicated in cases of bacteremia, endocarditis, and urinary tract infections. Due to their rarity, infections may be underdiagnosed or misidentified as other more common pathogens.

Diagnosis

Accurate identification of Facklamia species requires microbiological culture and biochemical testing. Molecular methods such as 16S rRNA sequencing can provide definitive identification.

Treatment

Infections caused by Facklamia species are typically treated with antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic may depend on the susceptibility profile of the isolate, as determined by antibiotic susceptibility testing. Commonly used antibiotics include penicillin and vancomycin.

Research and Future Directions

Research on Facklamia is ongoing to better understand its role in human health and disease. Studies are focused on its pathogenic mechanisms, resistance patterns, and potential as a target for new antimicrobial therapies.

See Also

• Aerococcaceae
• Gram-positive bacteria
• Opportunistic infection