Aerococcus spp infective endocarditis following a prostate biopsy: a case report

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Microbiology

Background:

• Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious infection affecting heart valves.
• Bioprosthetic valves are susceptible to infection, posing unique clinical challenges.
• Aerococcus species are increasingly recognized as a cause of IE.

Observation:

• A case of IE in a bioprosthetic aortic valve following a prostate biopsy is presented.
• The patient was an asymptomatic adult with age as the primary risk factor.
• Clinical presentation included fever and echocardiographic evidence of vegetations.

Findings:

• Diagnosis was confirmed by positive blood cultures for Aerococcus spp.
• Echocardiography revealed vegetations on the bioprosthetic aortic valve.
• The patient demonstrated a favorable clinical outcome.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential risk of IE after prostate biopsy, even in low-risk patients.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy (ceftriaxone and gentamicin) are crucial for favorable outcomes.
• Aerococcus spp. should be considered in the differential diagnosis of IE, particularly in patients with prosthetic valves.