Lactococcus garvieae Endocarditis on a Prosthetic Biological Aortic Valve

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Lactococcus garvieae (LG) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen causing rare human infections.
• LG endocarditis is exceptionally uncommon, with fewer than 20 cases reported globally.
• Risk factors and clinical presentations of LG endocarditis are not well-established.

Observation:

• A 76-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of endocarditis.
• The patient reported consuming raw fish sushi two weeks prior to admission.
• Cardiac imaging revealed vegetation on the prosthetic aortic valve, not a native valve.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with Lactococcus garvieae endocarditis.
• This case represents a rare instance of LG endocarditis in an elderly male.
• The infection involved a prosthetic aortic valve, differing from most previously reported cases.

Implications:

• This case highlights raw fish consumption as a potential transmission route for LG.
• Prosthetic valve endocarditis due to LG is a rare but serious complication.
• Further research is needed to understand LG pathogenesis and optimize treatment strategies for this rare infection.