Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2026

An In Vitro Model of a Parallel-Plate Perfusion System to Study Bacterial Adherence to Graft Tissues
07:50

An In Vitro Model of a Parallel-Plate Perfusion System to Study Bacterial Adherence to Graft Tissues

Published on: January 7, 2019

Granulicatella elegans native valve infective endocarditis: case report and review

Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq1, Ghassan Kiwan, Haithem Murrar

  • 1Internal Medicine Services Division, PO Box 76, Dhahran Health Center, Saudi Aramco Medical Services Organization, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia. jaffar.tawfiq@aramco.com

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|December 26, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Granulicatella elegans, a rare cause of infective endocarditis, was identified in a patient with mitral valve prolapse. Successful treatment involved surgery and antibiotics, with no lasting complications.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Infective endocarditis is a serious infection affecting heart valves.
  • Granulicatella elegans is a nutritionally deficient bacterium, rarely associated with endocarditis.
  • Mitral valve prolapse is a common cardiac condition that can predispose individuals to endocarditis.

Observation:

  • A case of infective endocarditis caused by Granulicatella elegans in a patient with pre-existing mitral valve prolapse is presented.
  • The patient presented with symptoms indicative of endocarditis.
  • Granulicatella elegans was successfully isolated from blood cultures.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent mitral valvuloplasty and repair to address the damaged valve.
  • A comprehensive treatment course of 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics was administered.
  • The patient experienced a full recovery with no sequelae following treatment.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering rare pathogens like Granulicatella elegans in infective endocarditis, especially in patients with underlying valve disease.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management, including surgical intervention and targeted antibiotic therapy, are crucial for favorable outcomes.
  • Further research may be warranted to understand the specific factors contributing to Granulicatella elegans endocarditis in certain patient populations.

More Related Videos

Isolation of Valvular Endothelial Cells11:04

Isolation of Valvular Endothelial Cells

Published on: December 29, 2010

Experimental Endocarditis Model of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Rat07:46

Experimental Endocarditis Model of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Rat

Published on: June 4, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Endocarditis I: Introduction01:25

Endocarditis I: Introduction

Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management01:29

Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

Endocarditis III: Medical Management

Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
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...
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...