A case of infective endocarditis caused by Kocuria rosea in a non-compromised patient

A 79-year-old male with no history of immunodeficiency was transferred to our hospital complaining of shortness of breath and general fatigue. He was diagnosed with recent myocardial infarction and underwent emergent percutaneous coronary intervention. However, the course of congestive heart failure was poor, and he required respiratory support and renal replacement therapy. Kocuria rosea was detected in blood culture obtained on admission, and then a follow-up echocardiogram revealed infective endocarditis. We administered ampicillin-sulbactam and performed urgent operation. The post-operative course was uneventful with 4-week administration of antimicrobial agents.

Infective endocarditis caused by Kocuria rosea may also occur in non-compromised patients although K. rosea infections have been reported only in compromised hosts. This pathogen is sensitive to a variety of antibiotics. We selected ampicillin-sulbactam to treat infective endocarditis based on a sensitivity examination, and the patient's post-operative clinical course was uneventful. Ampicillin-sulbactam may be a useful treatment option.