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Lactobacillus rhamnosus endocarditis complicating colonoscopy.
A Avlami1, T Kordossis, N Vrizidis
1Department of Microbiology, Laikon General Hospital and School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
The Journal of Infection
|September 8, 2001
Summary
This study details the first Lactobacillus endocarditis case post-colonoscopy. Successful treatment required tailored antibiotics after standard therapy failed, highlighting the need for individualized approaches in rare infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Endocarditis is a serious infection of the heart lining.
- Lactobacillus species are typically commensal bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Colonoscopy is a common medical procedure with a low risk of complications.
Observation:
- A patient developed endocarditis caused by Lactobacillus following a colonoscopy.
- Initial treatment with penicillin and an aminoglycoside, a standard regimen, was ineffective.
- The patient had no prior history of gastrointestinal or cardiac issues.
Findings:
- The causative agent was identified as Lactobacillus species.
- In vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing guided the selection of an alternative antibiotic regimen.
- A combination of antibiotics, chosen based on in vitro data, successfully treated the endocarditis.
Implications:
- This case expands the spectrum of pathogens causing infective endocarditis.
- It underscores the importance of considering unusual pathogens after invasive procedures.
- Tailored antibiotic therapy based on in vitro testing is crucial for managing refractory or rare infections.