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Cerebral vasculitis and Cardiobacterium valvarum endocarditis

R Abraham1, R B Irwin2, D Kannappan1

  • 1Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital South Manchester, Southmoor Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester M23 9LT, UK.

Journal of Medical Microbiology
|August 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a fatal aortic and tricuspid native valve endocarditis caused by Cardiobacterium valvarum, a rare Gram-negative bacillus. The infection was complicated by cerebral vasculitis, highlighting diagnostic challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Native valve endocarditis (NVE) is typically caused by Gram-positive bacteria.
  • Gram-negative bacilli are infrequent etiological agents of NVE, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Observation:

  • A 65-year-old male presented with aortic and tricuspid native valve endocarditis.
  • Blood cultures isolated Cardiobacterium valvarum, a fastidious Gram-negative bacillus.
  • The patient experienced cerebral vasculitis, a rare complication.

Findings:

  • This is the first reported fatality of Cardiobacterium valvarum endocarditis prior to surgical intervention.
  • This case represents the first documented instance of cerebral vasculitis associated with Cardiobacterium valvarum infection.
  • Identification of Cardiobacterium species may necessitate advanced molecular techniques in reference laboratories.

Implications:

  • Highlights the potential for rare Gram-negative bacilli to cause severe NVE.
  • Underscores the importance of considering unusual pathogens in culture-negative or treatment-refractory endocarditis.
  • Emphasizes the need for specialized diagnostic capabilities for identifying fastidious microorganisms.

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