[Eikenella corrodens infective endocarditis]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• The HACEK group comprises fastidious Gram-negative bacteria commonly found in the upper respiratory tract.
• These microorganisms are associated with a specific subset of infective endocarditis cases, representing approximately 3% of all instances.
• Diagnosis can be challenging due to their slow growth and fastidious nature, often requiring prolonged incubation.

Observation:

• Endocarditis caused by HACEK organisms typically presents with insidious clinical symptoms.
• Microbiological cultures may yield negative results, complicating the diagnostic process.
• Eikenella corrodens, a member of the HACEK group, was first identified as an endocarditis agent in 1972.

Findings:

• This case report describes Eikenella corrodens infective endocarditis in a female patient with a native valve.
• Eikenella corrodens remains a rare etiological agent for infective endocarditis.

Implications:

• Understanding the unique characteristics of HACEK-related endocarditis is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
• This case highlights the importance of considering rare pathogens in the differential diagnosis of endocarditis, even with negative initial cultures.
• Further research into the optimal diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for HACEK endocarditis is warranted.