School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Spring 4-26-2026

Abstract

Currently, there are 12 known species of Pediococcus, with P. Acidilactici and P. pentosaceus being the most well-known. P. pentosaceus is a Gram-positive, lactic acid bacterium, and is most often recognized for its wide usage as a probiotic and fermenter of wines and cheeses. It is also studied for its anti-inflammatory effects and antimicrobial properties against many common pathogens, such as Salmonella, Clostridium difficile, E.coli, etc.  However, the Pediococcus species can be an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised patients, and its resistance to glycopeptides and tetracycline limits treatment options.

We conducted a scoping review using Google Scholar and PubMed with the search terms: “pentosaceus AND (wound OR foot) AND infection”. We identified antibiotic treatment, severity, and type of infection, regardless of publication date. Articles in English, Spanish, and Mandarin languages that assessed infection of wounds or of the feet caused by P. pentosaceus were included in the review. There were 1500 papers initially screened, which yielded only one result relevant to our search criteria.

Most cases involved bacteremia caused by P. acidilactici in immunocompromised patients. Due to its infrequency, P. pentosaceus should remain a differential for non-healing diabetic wounds. To our knowledge, only one bone infection caused by P. pentosaceus has been described in literature, and its source is unknown. Recognition of P. pentosaceus as a rare but clinically significant pathogen can help improve patient health and guide clinicians for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

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