Kocuria Species: Important Emerging Pathogens in Pediatric Patients

Abstract

Kocuria spp., are frequently documented members of the human microbiota and were formerly thought to be opportunistic bacteria, initiating infection only in immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Kocuria species in samples from Iraqi pediatric patients, in addition to their sensitivity pattern. Bacterial identification was performed using a VITEK 2 device, and the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used to determine antibiotic susceptibility. Of 261 positive cultures, we found Kocuria isolates from 7 cases (2.68%). The mean age of the patients was 5.47 years, ranging from 4 months to 10 years; there were 3 males and 4 females. All patients had either urinary tract disease or symptomatic bacteremia. Vitek-2 identification using a gram-positive (GP) card revealed the presence of Kocuria kristinae in five cases, K. rhizophila in one case, and K. rosea in one case. Susceptibility of the Kocuria species isolates to amikacin, gentamicin and ceftazidime were demonstrated 100% resistance. In conclusion, Kocuria species, which are associated with serious clinical manifestations are an emerging health issue and further attention should be taken for appropriate management of antibiotic treatment as they are intrinsically multi-drug resistant.