From the Research
The treatment for a Winkia neuii infection typically involves antibiotics, with penicillin being the first-line treatment, as supported by the most recent study 1 which reported successful treatment with ceftriaxone. For most infections, amoxicillin 500 mg three times daily for 7-10 days is recommended, based on the general susceptibility of Winkia neuii to beta-lactam antibiotics 2, 3. In cases of penicillin allergy, clindamycin 300 mg four times daily for 7-10 days can be used as an alternative, as seen in the study by 2. For severe infections, intravenous penicillin G 2-4 million units every 4-6 hours may be necessary, considering the potential for deep-seated or chronic infections 4, 1. The duration of treatment may need to be extended for deep-seated or chronic infections, sometimes requiring 2-6 weeks of therapy, as suggested by the case report of a late prosthetic shoulder joint infection due to Actinomyces neuii 1. Some key points to consider in the treatment of Winkia neuii infections include:
- Surgical drainage may also be necessary for abscesses, as noted in the study by 2.
- It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve quickly to prevent recurrence or development of antibiotic resistance, a principle applicable to all antibiotic treatments.
- Winkia neuii (formerly known as Actinomyces neuii) is generally susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics because it is a gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic bacterium, as discussed in 2, 5, 3. Given the rarity of Winkia neuii infections and the variety of presentations, from soft tissue infections to endovascular infections and prosthetic joint infections, as reported in 2, 4, 1, a tailored approach to treatment, considering the specific context and severity of the infection, is crucial.