Eikenella corrodens is an opportunistic pathogen, but it is most noted for causing which type of infection?

• A. Abscesses of the oral cavity
• B. Pneumonia
• C. Postsurgical wound infections
• D. Urinary tract infections

Answer: (A)

Eikenella corrodens is best known for its role in odontogenic infections—those arising from the teeth and surrounding oral structures. It’s part of the normal oral flora, and when dental problems or trauma introduce it into tissues, it frequently contributes to abscess formation in the mouth or cervicofacial region. In practice, infections of the oral cavity with abscesses are the classic presentation tied to this organism, especially in polymicrobial dental infections or after dental procedures. While it can cause other infections in the right circumstances, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or postsurgical wound infections are less characteristic for this organism. So the most notable infection associated with Eikenella corrodens is abscesses of the oral cavity.