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Vertebral osteomyelitis and native valve endocarditis due to Staphylococcus simulans: a case report
Natalia Vallianou1, Angelos Evangelopoulos, Polyxeni Makri
1Department of Internal Medicine, Polykliniki General Hospital, Athens, Greece. natalia.vallianou@hotmail.com
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|May 31, 2008
Summary
Staphylococcus simulans, an animal pathogen, can cause severe human infections like osteomyelitis and endocarditis. This case highlights the importance of species-level identification for understanding its pathogenic role.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Case Reports
Background:
- Staphylococcus simulans is an animal pathogen that can colonize human skin.
- It may cause severe infections, mimicking those of Staphylococcus aureus.
- This report details a rare case of vertebral osteomyelitis and native valve endocarditis caused by S. simulans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of severe human infection caused by Staphylococcus simulans.
- To emphasize the significance of accurate species-level identification of coagulase-negative staphylococci.
- To contribute to understanding the pathogenic potential of S. simulans in humans.
Main Methods:
- A case of a 46-year-old male butcher with symptoms of infection was investigated.
- Blood cultures were performed, and Gram-positive cocci were identified as S. simulans.
- The patient received a 6-month course of antibiotic treatment.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with vertebral osteomyelitis and native valve endocarditis.
- S. simulans was identified as the causative agent.
- Successful treatment with antibiotics was achieved after 6 months.
Conclusions:
- Accurate species-level identification of coagulase-negative staphylococci is crucial.
- This case underscores the potential severity of S. simulans infections in humans.
- Further research is needed to define the pathogenic role of S. simulans.
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