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Corynebacterium striatum-Induced Native Valve Infective Endocarditis in an Immunocompetent Patient
Bernard P Parrish1, Joseph Young2, Mina M Benjamin3
1Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA.
Cureus
|September 27, 2024
Summary
Corynebacterium striatum, often a contaminant, caused infective endocarditis (IE) in an immunocompetent patient. This case highlights risk factors and the need to recognize C. striatum as a pathogen in complicated IE.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Corynebacterium striatum is frequently dismissed as a contaminant in blood cultures due to its common colonization of skin and mucous membranes.
- However, its role as a causative agent in serious infections, such as infective endocarditis (IE), is increasingly recognized.
Observation:
- This report details a case of infective endocarditis caused by Corynebacterium striatum in an immunocompetent patient with a native heart valve.
- The patient received vancomycin treatment.
Findings:
- Despite treatment, the patient developed significant complications, including embolic infarcts to the spleen and left cerebellum.
- A perivalvular abscess also developed, indicating the severity and invasive potential of the C. striatum infection.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering Corynebacterium striatum as a potential pathogen, not just a contaminant, in blood cultures.
- It highlights specific risk factors associated with C. striatum infections and the potential for severe, complicated IE.
- Recognizing C. striatum's pathogenic capacity is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective management of infective endocarditis.
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