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Prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Bartonella quintana
John L Klein1, Sukumaran K Nair, Tim G Harrison
1Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|March 19, 2002
Summary
Bartonella quintana endocarditis on a prosthetic valve is described in a patient without typical risk factors. This finding suggests Bartonella should be considered in all endocarditis cases.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Endocarditis is a serious infection of the heart lining or valves.
- Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) poses significant clinical challenges.
- Bartonella species are increasingly recognized as causes of endocarditis.
Observation:
- This report details the first documented case of Bartonella quintana endocarditis.
- The infection occurred on a prosthetic heart valve.
- The patient presented with no previously identified risk factors for infection.
Findings:
- Bartonella quintana was confirmed as the causative agent of the endocarditis.
- The prosthetic valve was successfully managed.
- The case highlights an atypical presentation of Bartonella infection.
Implications:
- Bartonella quintana should be included in the differential diagnosis for endocarditis, regardless of patient risk factors.
- This case broadens the understanding of Bartonella spp. as etiological agents of PVE.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for Bartonella in unexplained endocarditis cases.