Colonization of Stomach by Sarcina Ventriculi – A Case Series

Abstract Sarcina ventriculi is a rare anaerobic bacterium commonly isolated in the stomach and associated with delayed gastric emptying and gastric outlet obstruction. We present a case series of five patients in whom S. ventriculi was identified on gastric biopsies during routine histopathological examination. Relevant clinical data and endoscopic findings were retrieved from medical records. Gastric biopsy specimens were processed, and the sections were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Special stains, including Gram, Giemsa, and periodic acid–Schiff stains, were employed where required for organism identification and detection of associated infections. The five patients (four males and one female; age range 41–67 years) presented with symptoms of gastric stasis such as nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, and anorexia. Histopathology revealed characteristic tetrads and octets of basophilic cocci consistent with S. ventriculi . Coinfections included Helicobacter pylori ( n = 2) and Candida species ( n = 1). Two cases were associated with adenocarcinoma. All patients were managed primarily with medical therapy, with clinical improvement noted. S. ventriculi colonization is strongly associated with delayed gastric emptying and may coexist with various underlying pathologies. Recognition of its characteristic morphology on routine histology is crucial, as it can be easily ignored. Awareness of this organism is essential to ensure timely diagnosis and management and to prevent life-threatening complications like gastric perforation.