Lactococcus garvieae endocarditis: first case report in Latin America

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology

Background:

• Lactococcus garvieae is an emerging zoonotic pathogen causing mastitis in rodents and sepsis in fish.
• Human infections are rare, often opportunistic, and potentially underdiagnosed due to diagnostic challenges.
• Literature reports few cases of invasive Lactococcus garvieae infections, including osteomyelitis, liver abscess, peritonitis, and endocarditis.

Observation:

• A female patient with a metallic prosthetic heart valve presented with persistent fever, chills, and Osler nodes.
• Six blood cultures were positive for Lactococcus garvieae.
• Clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria met for definitive infective endocarditis.

Findings:

• This case represents the first documented instance of Lactococcus garvieae endocarditis in Latin America.
• The patient's presentation fulfilled Duke's criteria for definitive infective endocarditis.
• The successful diagnosis highlights the importance of considering Lactococcus garvieae in specific patient populations.

Implications:

• This case expands the known clinical spectrum of Lactococcus garvieae infections in humans.
• It underscores the need for increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance for this pathogen, particularly in immunocompromised individuals or those with prosthetic devices.
• Further research is warranted to understand the epidemiology and clinical significance of Lactococcus garvieae in human endocarditis.