Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2025
08:25
Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling
Published on: April 7, 2015
9.2K
Infective Endocarditis From Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Group C Streptococcus
Abhinandan R Chittal1, Shiavax J Rao1, Pallavi Lakra1
1Internal Medicine, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, USA.
Cureus
|December 5, 2022
Summary
Endocarditis, an infection of the heart lining, can be caused by various pathogens. This case highlights a severe multi-bacterial infection involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus in a patient with a history of substance abuse.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Endocarditis is inflammation of the heart's inner lining, often caused by infection.
- Commonly affects intravenous drug users, those with catheters, or after invasive procedures.
- Pathogens vary based on risk factors, local epidemiology, and prevalent bacteria.
Observation:
- A patient with a history of polysubstance abuse and prior endocarditis presented with recurrent bacteremia.
- Developed a complex, multi-bacterial infection involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa and group C Streptococcus.
- The infection affected both the right and left sides of the heart.
Findings:
- The case illustrates a rare instance of dual infection with P. aeruginosa and group C Streptococcus.
- Demonstrates the potential for severe cardiac involvement in immunocompromised or high-risk patients.
- Highlights the challenges in managing polymicrobial endocarditis.
Implications:
- Reviews common presentations of bacterial endocarditis.
- Discusses medical and surgical management strategies for endocarditis.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering polymicrobial infections in at-risk populations.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Endocarditis I: Introduction
20
Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
20
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
21
Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
21
01:18Endocarditis III: Medical Management
11
Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
11
01:29Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
22
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
22
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
29
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
29
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
4.3K
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occur in a healthcare facility while a person receives care for another ailment. This category also includes work-related infections among healthcare staff.
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.
4.3K