[Eikenella corrodens as part of the polymicrobial flora in infectious endocarditis]

The authors describe a case of polymicrobial endocarditis in a 24-year-old patient with immunodeficiency and a damaged heart (mitral valve affection, septal defect). Among the mixed flora, comprising Streptococcus intermedius and two types of the genus Bacteroides, in the haemoculture also a microaerophil potentially pathogenic type Eikenella corrodens was cultivated. The authors describe the properties of Eikenella corrodens, its occurrence in man and its ability to produce an infectious process in primarily damaged organs (in particular the endocardium) in weakened subjects and drug addicts. The authors mention the diagnostic criteria for assessment of Eikenella corrodens and how to cultivate it from infectious material.