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Published on: April 25, 2025
Infective endocarditis due to Acinetobacter baumannii complex--a case report.
Thangam Menon1, S Shanmugasundaram, B Nandhakumar
1Department of Microbiology, Dr. A. L. Mudaliar Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani, Chennai 600113. thangam16@rediffmail.com
Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|December 23, 2006
Summary
A rare case of infective endocarditis caused by Acinetobacter baumannii complex occurred in a young male. Despite treatment, the patient succumbed to sepsis, highlighting the challenges of multidrug-resistant infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious infection of the heart valves.
- Acinetobacter baumannii complex is an opportunistic pathogen often associated with healthcare-associated infections.
- Ruptured aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva is a rare cardiovascular condition.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of IE, including fever, palpitations, dyspnea, cough, and chest pain.
- Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a large vegetation on the aortic valve.
- Blood cultures identified Acinetobacter baumannii complex, a gram-negative coccobacillus.
Findings:
- The Acinetobacter baumannii isolate exhibited extensive antimicrobial resistance, being resistant to multiple common antibiotics including ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, and gentamicin.
- The patient showed no clinical improvement with initial antibiotic regimens (ceftriaxone/gentamicin, ampicillin/amikacin).
- The isolate was sensitive only to imipenem, but the patient died of sepsis before this therapy could be initiated.
Implications:
- This case underscores the emerging threat of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii complex in causing severe infections like IE.
- The limited treatment options and rapid progression highlight the critical need for effective antimicrobial stewardship and development of new therapeutic agents.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate, timely antimicrobial therapy are crucial for improving outcomes in patients with Acinetobacter baumannii complex endocarditis.
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