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Use of Cell-Free DNA Testing to Diagnose Infective Endocarditis in a Patient With Negative Blood Cultures
Robert Hennis1, Mark A Raynor1, Rivers A Hock1
1Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, USA.
Cureus
|October 24, 2024
Summary
This study highlights a rare case of Streptococcus intermedius infective endocarditis. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing successfully identified the pathogen and guided treatment, avoiding invasive procedures.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Infective endocarditis (IE) presents diagnostic challenges, impacting patient morbidity and mortality.
- Identifying the causative pathogen is critical for effective IE management and treatment.
- Rare presentations of IE require innovative diagnostic approaches.
Observation:
- A rare case of Streptococcus intermedius infective endocarditis was observed.
- The patient developed complications including lung and cerebral abscesses.
- Standard diagnostic methods were challenging in this complex IE case.
Findings:
- Cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (cfDNA) testing was utilized to diagnose IE.
- cfDNA testing successfully identified Streptococcus intermedius as the causative pathogen.
- This diagnostic approach guided appropriate antibiotic therapy and patient management.
Implications:
- Positive cfDNA test results obviated the need for invasive brain biopsy.
- This case demonstrates the potential of cfDNA testing in complex IE diagnosis.
- Findings suggest cfDNA testing may influence future diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for IE.
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