Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling
08:25

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling

Published on: April 7, 2015

Fatal myocardial necrosis caused by Staphylococcus lugdunensis and cytomegalovirus in a patient with scleroderma

Laura Pirilä1, Karl-Ove Söderström, Marja Hietarinta

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|June 8, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A fatal heart failure case revealed Staphylococcus lugdunensis bacteria and cytomegalovirus within heart muscle cells. This suggests a potential link between these pathogens and severe myocardial necrosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Rapidly progressing heart failure is a critical condition often requiring advanced treatment.
  • Identifying the underlying cause of unexplained myocardial damage is crucial for patient outcomes.

Observation:

  • Autopsy revealed extensive myocardial necrosis in a 42-year-old woman with fatal heart failure.
  • Minimal inflammatory cell infiltration was noted in the affected cardiac tissue.
  • Bacterial structures, identified as Staphylococcus lugdunensis via PCR, were present.

Findings:

  • The cytomegalovirus genome was detected within the cardiomyocytes.
  • Staphylococcus lugdunensis was identified as a significant finding in the necrotic myocardium.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a potential role for Staphylococcus lugdunensis and cytomegalovirus co-infection in severe, rapidly progressing heart failure.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the pathogenic mechanisms linking these infections to myocardial damage.
  • Understanding such associations may inform diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for critical cardiac conditions.

Related Concept Videos

Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
Staphylococcal Skin Infections01:29

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...