Infectious Disease Compendium

Brevibacterium

Microbiology

Gram-positive rods.

Epidemiologic Risks

"Brevibacterium linens is ubiquitously present on the human skin, where it causes foot odor. The familiar odor is due to sulphur containing compounds known as S-methyl thioesters. The same bacterium is also employed to ferment several cheeses such as Munster, Limburger, Port-du-Salut, Raclette, Livarot, Pont l'Eveque, and Năsal. Its aroma also attracts mosquitoes."

Mostly found in soil.

Syndromes

A hodgepodge of infections, often in poor hosts (PubMed). Mostly bacteremias with lines.

Treatment

Vancomycin.

Curious Cases

Relevant links to my Medscape blog

Stinky Feet, Cheese and Sepsis

Last update: 3/30/18.