Pacemaker related infective endocarditis from Staphylococcus lugdunensis: a case report

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a commensal bacterium of human skin.
• While typically benign, S. lugdunensis has been increasingly recognized as an opportunistic pathogen.
• Infections caused by S. lugdunensis can be severe and difficult to treat.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of pacemaker-associated endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus lugdunensis.
• To highlight the potential pathogenicity of S. lugdunensis in device-related infections.
• To contribute to the understanding of S. lugdunensis as a cause of infective endocarditis.

Main Methods:

• Case report and literature review.
• Identification of the causative agent through microbiological culture.
• Clinical and echocardiographic assessment of the patient.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with symptoms consistent with infective endocarditis.
• Staphylococcus lugdunensis was successfully isolated from blood cultures and identified as the causative pathogen.
• Echocardiography revealed vegetations on the pacemaker leads, indicative of endocarditis.

Conclusions:

• Staphylococcus lugdunensis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of endocarditis, especially in patients with cardiac devices.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are crucial for managing S. lugdunensis endocarditis.
• This case underscores the importance of recognizing the pathogenic potential of S. lugdunensis.