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Infective endocarditis with Abiotrophia defectiva: the first Australian experience
Anthony F Van Assche1, Dianne P Stephens
1Intensive Care Unit, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia. avassche@hotmail.com.
Summary
This case report details Abiotrophia defectiva endocarditis in Australia, a rare infection affecting a prosthetic mitral valve. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by this unusual bacterium.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Indigenous woman with prosthetic mitral valve underwent cervical cone biopsy.
- Developed recurrent fever and joint pain, suggestive of infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first case of Abiotrophia endocarditis in Australia.
- To highlight a rare cause of prosthetic-valve endocarditis.
Main Methods:
- Blood cultures identified Abiotrophia defectiva.
- Transoesophageal echocardiogram confirmed mitral valve prosthesis endocarditis.
Main Results:
- Abiotrophia defectiva was identified as the causative agent.
- Endocarditis of the prosthetic mitral valve was diagnosed.
- This represents the first reported case in Australia and third worldwide for prosthetic valve endocarditis by this species.
Conclusions:
- Abiotrophia defectiva is a rare but significant cause of prosthetic valve endocarditis.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are essential.
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