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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
06:34
Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
Published on: July 11, 2016
Actinomyces israelii endocarditis misidentified as "Diptheroids"
Amesh A Adalja1, Emanuel N Vergis
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 3550 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. ameshaa@aol.com
Anaerobe
|May 25, 2010
Summary
Actinomyces rarely causes endocarditis. Misidentification as Corynebacteria often delays diagnosis of this serious infection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Endocarditis is an infection of the heart's inner lining.
- Actinomyces species are Gram-positive, filamentous bacteria.
- Corynebacteria are often mistaken for Actinomyces in clinical settings.
Observation:
- Actinomyces endocarditis is an uncommon but significant clinical entity.
- Morphological similarities between Actinomyces and Corynebacteria can lead to misidentification.
- Accurate identification is crucial for appropriate treatment.
Findings:
- Misidentification of Actinomyces as Corynebacteria is a common diagnostic challenge.
- This misclassification can result in delayed or incorrect antimicrobial therapy.
- Molecular methods can aid in differentiating these bacterial genera.
Implications:
- Improved diagnostic accuracy for Actinomyces endocarditis is needed.
- Enhanced awareness among microbiologists and clinicians is essential.
- Timely and correct diagnosis can improve patient outcomes for Actinomyces endocarditis.
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