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Infective Endocarditis Due to Corynebacterium Species: Clinical Features and Antibiotic Resistance

Anna Bläckberg1,2, Linn Falk1, Karl Oldberg1,3

  • 1Division of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Sweden.

Open Forum Infectious Diseases
|March 19, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Corynebacterium species can cause severe infective endocarditis (IE), particularly in patients with prosthetic valves. While antibiotic resistance is common, vancomycin remains effective against these challenging IE pathogens.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Corynebacterium species, often overlooked as contaminants, are increasingly recognized as significant pathogens causing infective endocarditis (IE).
  • Rising antibiotic resistance in Corynebacterium complicates treatment strategies for IE.
  • Limited data exists on IE caused by Corynebacterium species, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of infective endocarditis (IE) caused by Corynebacterium species.
  • To identify the most common Corynebacterium species implicated in IE.
  • To assess the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of these isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of IE cases caused by Corynebacterium species from the Swedish Registry of Infective Endocarditis (2008-2017).
  • Species identification using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF).
  • Antibiotic susceptibility testing performed using Etests.

Main Results:

  • Thirty episodes of Corynebacterium IE were identified, predominantly in elderly males (median age 71, 77% male).
  • Corynebacterium striatum (n=11) and Corynebacterium jeikeium (n=5) were the most frequent species.
  • Prosthetic valve endocarditis was common (70%), with a 13% in-hospital mortality rate. Vancomycin showed universal in vitro activity, while penicillin G resistance was frequent.

Conclusions:

  • Corynebacterium species are significant causative agents of infective endocarditis, particularly affecting prosthetic valves and often requiring surgical intervention.
  • Corynebacterium striatum is a key pathogen within this genus responsible for IE.
  • While antibiotic resistance is prevalent, vancomycin remains a reliable treatment option in vitro.
Keywords:
Corynebacteriumantibioticinfective endocarditis

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