Microbiology
Gram-negative rod. It can be mistaken for Burkholderia cepacia. There are about a dozen spp.
Epidemiologic Risks
"Most species of Herbaspirillum are nitrogen-fixing bacteria that are commonly found in the rhizosphere and colonize plants endophytically. They are found in the roots and stems of maize, rice, beans, bananas, sugar cane, pineapple, and other plants and they have been recovered from groundwater and drinking water distribution systems as well (PubMed)." Man. Can you imagine getting infected from the rhizosphere?
Syndromes
Bacteremia usually in hematologic malignancies. A smattering of other case reports. Patients respond to treatment but I can't help but wonder what happens to any broken nitrogen.
Treatment
Who knows. Susceptible to ceftazidime, levofloxacin, minocycline, moxifloxacin, ticarcillin/clavulanate, tigecycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
Notes
Last update: 05/05/18