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Infective endocarditis caused by Cardiobacterium valvarum
Yohei Washio1, Shun-Ichiro Sakamoto2, Ryoichi Saito3
1Nippon Medical School Hospital, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Access Microbiology
|September 25, 2020
Summary
This case study highlights a rare instance of infective endocarditis caused by Cardiobacterium valvarum. 16S ribosomal RNA genotyping proved essential for identifying the bacteria when conventional methods failed.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious infection of the heart's inner lining.
- The HACEK group of bacteria, including Cardiobacterium valvarum, are known causes of IE but can be challenging to identify.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing IE.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old male presented with suspected IE, diagnosed via transthoracic echocardiography.
- Blood cultures revealed slender, Gram-negative bacilli with a characteristic rosette formation.
- Conventional identification methods were unsuccessful in identifying the causative agent.
Findings:
- 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genotyping definitively identified the pathogen as Cardiobacterium valvarum.
- This case represents a rare occurrence of IE due to C. valvarum.
- The study underscores the limitations of conventional methods for identifying certain HACEK group bacteria.
Implications:
- 16S rRNA genotyping is a valuable tool for identifying difficult-to-culture bacteria in IE cases.
- Increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance are needed for rare pathogens like C. valvarum.
- This case contributes to the limited literature on C. valvarum endocarditis, aiding future clinical management.
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