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Infective endocarditis caused by Cellulomonas spp. in an intravenous drug user: case report

Mateja Logar1, Tatjana Lejko-Zupanc

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Japljeva 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia. mateja.logar@mf.uni-lj.si

Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|May 9, 2013
PubMed

Insights

This study reports the first case of infective endocarditis (IE) caused by Cellulomonas bacteria in an intravenous drug user. The patient developed heart failure and a possible aneurysm, requiring aortic valve replacement.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Cellulomonas species are generally considered to have low virulence.
  • Human infections with Cellulomonas are rare, with limited case reports.
  • Intravenous drug abuse is a known risk factor for infective endocarditis.

Observation:

  • A case of infective endocarditis (IE) in an intravenous drug abuser is presented.
  • The diagnosis of IE was confirmed using the Duke criteria.
  • The patient experienced complications including heart failure and a potential mycotic aneurysm.

Findings:

  • Cellulomonas was identified as the causative agent of endocarditis.
  • The patient's condition was severe, necessitating aortic valve replacement.
  • Antimicrobial therapy was administered prior to surgical intervention.

Implications:

  • This case highlights Cellulomonas as a potential pathogen in infective endocarditis, particularly in vulnerable populations.
  • It underscores the importance of considering unusual bacteria in the diagnosis of IE.
  • The findings may prompt further research into the pathogenicity of Cellulomonas species.

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