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Assessing Bacterial Invasion of Cardiac Cells in Culture and Heart Colonization in Infected Mice Using Listeria monocytogenes
Published on: May 27, 2015
A Case of Listeria monocytogenes Infective Endocarditis
Faraz Badar1, Refayat Bhuiyan1, Shaha Nabeel2
1Internal Medicine Residency Program, John T. Mather Memorial Hospital, NY, USA.
Abstract:
Listeriamonocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a Gram-positive facultative intracellular aerobic bacterium. We report the case of a 77-year-old male presenting with focal neurological symptoms found secondary to embolization from L. monocytogenes infective endocarditis (IE) involving the mitral valve. Blood cultures and echocardiogram were positive. Meningitis was ruled out via lumbar puncture. Treatment was done successfully with a prolonged course of ceftazidime. IE from L. monocytogenes is a rare but life-threatening complication and therefore prompt identification of infectious process is paramount. The mainstay of therapy is use of beta-lactams.
Insights
Listeria monocytogenes infective endocarditis is rare but serious, potentially causing neurological issues. Prompt diagnosis and beta-lactam antibiotic treatment, like ceftazidime, are crucial for successful outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium.
- Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious infection of the heart valves.
- Neurological complications can arise from IE.
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