Urinary tract infections due to Globicatella spp. in pediatric patients with complex uropathies

Globicatella is a genus of catalase-negative, facultative anaerobes, and non-hemolytic Gram-positive cocci, arranged in pairs or in short chains. Twenty-five positive urine cultures, mainly obtained by catheterization, and two urinary stone cultures due to Globicatella spp. were retrospectively recorded from patients between January 1, 2014 and October 31, 2024. Isolates were identified by mass spectrometry (Vitek MS), 16S rRNA gene sequencing and biochemical tests. Most patients had complex uropathies or congenital malformations of the urinary tract. A high percentage of the isolates showed high ceftriaxone (CRO) MICs (MIC50 and MIC90: 2-16μg/ml) and almost half of them had low penicillin (PEN) MICs (MIC50 and MIC90: 0.25 and 2μg/ml). The present study is the most extensive report of Globicatella urinary tract infections in children.