Peptostreptococcus vaginalisorPeptostreptococcus prevotii? Identification and Clinical Importance of A New Species ofPeptostreptococcus

Abstract

Peptostreptococcus vaginalisis a recently described species of Gram-positive anaerobic coccus. We report one case in whichP. vaginaliswas isolated in pure culture from an abscess on the upper arm, and summarise nine further cases where it was isolated in mixed culture from other superficial sites, particularly infected leg ulcers. We suggest that clinical strains ofP. vaginalishave probably been described in the past asPeptostreptococcus prevotii, a species which has frequently been reported from clinical surveys of anaerobic infections; their relative importance and appropriate treatment are discussed. Preformed enzyme profiles provide a simple method of identification accessible to routine diagnostic laboratories; when clinically significant isolates of GPAC are isolated in pure growth, they should be identified to the species level by use of preformed enzyme kits.