Endocarditis due to accidental penetrating foreign bodies

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology
• Medical Case Reports

Background:

• Foreign body ingestion or aspiration can lead to serious complications.
• Enterobacter cloacae is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe infections.

Observation:

• A 15-year-old male presented with an 8-month history of recurrent fever, malaise, and poor appetite.
• Chest roentgenogram identified a foreign object near the right ventricle.
• Blood cultures repeatedly identified Enterobacter cloacae.

Findings:

• The patient's condition improved with gentamicin and carbenicillin therapy, and blood cultures normalized.
• Enterobacter cloacae was successfully isolated from the foreign body (a finishing nail) during surgery.
• A 30-day course of antimicrobial therapy resulted in an uneventful recovery.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for retained foreign bodies to serve as a nidus for persistent bacterial infections.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are crucial for managing foreign body-associated Enterobacter cloacae infections.
• Surgical removal of the foreign body is essential for complete eradication of infection and patient recovery.