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Assessing Bacterial Invasion of Cardiac Cells in Culture and Heart Colonization in Infected Mice Using Listeria monocytogenes
09:18

Assessing Bacterial Invasion of Cardiac Cells in Culture and Heart Colonization in Infected Mice Using Listeria monocytogenes

Published on: May 27, 2015

Listeria endocarditis causing aortic root abscess and a fistula to the left atrium

S Hood1, R H Baxter

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow.

Scottish Medical Journal
|October 26, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Listeria endocarditis, a rare infection of heart valves, occurred in a patient with a porcine aortic valve replacement. Prompt treatment and valve re-replacement led to a successful outcome in this high-mortality condition.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiac Surgery

Background:

  • Endocarditis is an infection of the heart's inner lining or valves.
  • Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) poses significant risks, especially with certain pathogens.
  • Listeria monocytogenes is an uncommon cause of infective endocarditis.

Observation:

  • A 74-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of endocarditis.
  • The patient had a history of porcine aortic valve replacement.
  • Blood cultures revealed Listeria monocytogenes infection.

Findings:

  • Transesophageal echocardiography identified a cavity posterior to the aortic annulus, communicating with the left atrium.
  • The patient underwent successful aortic valve re-replacement.
  • Listeria endocarditis is a rare condition, with limited reported cases.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering Listeria monocytogenes in prosthetic valve endocarditis.
  • Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing this severe infection.
  • Further research into Listeria endocarditis pathogenesis and treatment is warranted.

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