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Nosocomial endocarditis caused by Corynebacterium amycolatum and other nondiphtheriae corynebacteria

Karen L Knox1, Alison H Holmes

  • 1Department of Microbiology, 1st Floor Jenner Wing, St. George's Hospital, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London SW17 0RE, UK. kknox@sghms.ac.uk

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|December 26, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Nondiphtheriae corynebacteria are emerging causes of endocarditis, particularly in patients with heart conditions or prosthetic valves. This study highlights three cases linked to intravascular devices, including the first reported instance of Corynebacterium amycolatum endocarditis.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Nondiphtheriae corynebacteria are increasingly implicated in infective endocarditis.
  • Patients with structural heart disease or prosthetic valves are at higher risk.
  • Nosocomial infections present a growing challenge in healthcare settings.

Observation:

  • Three cases of nosocomial endocarditis caused by nondiphtheriae corynebacteria were identified.
  • These infections were associated with the presence of indwelling intravascular devices.
  • One case represented the first documented instance of Corynebacterium amycolatum endocarditis.

Findings:

  • Nondiphtheriae corynebacteria can cause serious endocarditis, often in healthcare-associated settings.
  • Indwelling intravascular devices serve as potential portals of entry for these pathogens.
  • Corynebacterium amycolatum is a newly recognized pathogen in endocarditis.

Implications:

  • Enhanced surveillance for nondiphtheriae corynebacteria in endocarditis cases is warranted.
  • Strict adherence to infection control protocols for intravascular devices is crucial.
  • Further research into the pathogenicity and treatment of these infections is needed.

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