Detection of methanogens in peri-appendicular abscesses: Report of four cases. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Djemai, K.; Gouriet, F.; Sielezneff, I.; Mege, D.; Drancourt, M.; Grine, G.
• Is Part Of: Anaerobe. Volume 72(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Methanobrevibacter smithii -- Methanobrevibacter oralis -- Methanogens -- Bacteria -- Appendicular abscesses; Anaerobic infections -- Periodicals; Anaerobic bacteria -- Periodicals; Bacterial diseases -- Periodicals; Computer network resources; Anaerobic protozoa -- Periodicals; 579.3
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2021.102470
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1075-9964

Abstract

Abstract: The aetiology of appendicular abscess is predominantly microbial with aerobic and anaerobic bacteria from gut flora. In this study, by using specific laboratory tools, we co-detected Methanobrevibacter oralis and Methanobrevibacter smithii among a mixture of enterobacteria including Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus avium in four unrelated cases of postoperative appendiceal abscesses. These unprecedented observations raise a question on the role of methanogens in peri-appendicular abscesses, supporting antibiotics as an alternative therapeutic option for appendicitis, including antibiotics active against methanogens such as metronidazole or fusidic acid. Highlights: By using molecular and microscopic approaches, we demonstrated the presence of methanogens, specifically Methanobrevibacter smithii and Methanobrevibacter oralis, in four cases of appendicular abscesses. These methanogens were co-detected with facultative anaerobic bacteria. Our study warrants the need for further larger sample size studies investigating specifically the prevalence of methanogens in appendicular abscesses to confirm their possible implication.