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Achromobacter species endocarditis: A case report and literature review

Catherine Derber1, Kara Elam, Betty A Forbes

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center;

The Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases & Medical Microbiology = Journal Canadien Des Maladies Infectieuses Et De La Microbiologie Medicale
|September 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Achromobacter species cause rare but serious endocarditis, often in patients with heart valves or immunodeficiencies. Successful treatment involves surgery and antibiotics, though resistance remains a challenge.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Endocarditis is a severe infection of the heart's inner lining.
  • Achromobacter species are increasingly recognized as opportunistic pathogens.
  • Risk factors include prosthetic heart valves and compromised immune systems.

Observation:

  • A case of prosthetic pulmonary valve endocarditis caused by Achromobacter xylosoxidans subspecies denitrificans is presented.
  • This rare infection highlights the potential for Achromobacter species to cause severe endovascular disease.
  • A literature review on Achromobacter endocarditis was conducted.

Findings:

  • Achromobacter species are an uncommon but significant cause of hospital-acquired endocarditis.
  • The case demonstrates successful management through combined surgical intervention (valve replacement) and extended antibiotic treatment.
  • Intrinsic antibiotic resistance in Achromobacter species poses a therapeutic challenge.

Implications:

  • Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial for improving outcomes in Achromobacter endocarditis.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering unusual pathogens in complex cardiac infections.
  • Further research into effective antibiotic strategies for Achromobacter infections is warranted.
Keywords:
Achromobacter xylosoxidans subspecies denitrificansAlcaligenes xylosoxidansInfective endocarditisNosocomial

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