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Infective Endocarditis Caused by Pseudomonas stutzeri: A Case Report and Literature Review
Marwan J Alwazzeh1, Feras A Alkuwaiti1, Moammer Alqasim1
1Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Faisal Road, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Pseudomonas bacteria are widespread pathogens that account for considerable infections with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in hospitalized patients. The Pseudomonas genus contains a large number of species; however, the majority of infections are caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, infections by other Pseudomonas species are less reported. Pseudomonas stutzeri is a ubiquitous Gram-negative bacterium that has been reported as a causative agent of some infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients but has rarely been reported as a cause of infective endocarditis. Here, we report a case of a 55-year-old female with no significant medical history who presented with exertional dyspnea, productive cough, and fever. She was diagnosed as a case of acute anterior ST myocardial infarction, underwent double valve replacement surgery, and was found to have infective endocarditis caused by Pseudomonas stutzeri.
Insights
This case report highlights a rare instance of infective endocarditis caused by Pseudomonas stutzeri in a patient without prior health issues. It underscores the importance of considering unusual pathogens in complex cardiac infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Pseudomonas bacteria are common causes of hospital-acquired infections, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most frequent culprit.
- Infections due to other Pseudomonas species are less common and infrequently reported.
- Pseudomonas stutzeri, though ubiquitous, is rarely implicated in infective endocarditis, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of infective endocarditis caused by Pseudomonas stutzeri.
- To emphasize the diagnostic and clinical considerations for this unusual pathogen in cardiac infections.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 55-year-old female patient.
- Clinical presentation including dyspnea, cough, and fever.
- Diagnosis of acute anterior ST myocardial infarction and subsequent double valve replacement surgery.
Main Results:
- Infective endocarditis was diagnosed during surgery.
- Cultures identified Pseudomonas stutzeri as the causative agent.
- The patient had no significant prior medical history.
Conclusions:
- Pseudomonas stutzeri can cause infective endocarditis, even in patients without traditional risk factors.
- This case expands the spectrum of clinical manifestations for Pseudomonas stutzeri infections.
- Further vigilance is needed for identifying rare bacterial causes of endocarditis.
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