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Proteus endocarditis in an intravenous drug user
Rohan Goel1, Baskar Sekar2, Mark N Payne2
1Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, UK.
BMJ Case Reports
|November 28, 2015
Summary
This case study shows successful single antibiotic treatment for Proteus mirabilis endocarditis, a rare infection. It highlights the importance of blood cultures for diagnosing unusual infective endocarditis cases.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Infective endocarditis (IE) presents significant mortality risks despite advanced treatments.
- Many IE patients require prolonged antibiotics and up to 50% necessitate surgery during hospitalization.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old intravenous drug user presented with systemic symptoms and a swollen leg.
- The patient was diagnosed with Proteus mirabilis endocarditis and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Findings:
- Successful treatment of Proteus endocarditis was achieved with single antibiotic therapy.
- The patient avoided surgical intervention and anticoagulation for DVT.
Implications:
- This case underscores the diagnostic value of blood cultures, particularly for rare IE pathogens.
- Single antibiotic therapy can be an effective treatment strategy for Proteus endocarditis.