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Prosthetic-valve endocarditis due to Listeria monocytogenes
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|February 1, 1978
Abstract:
Clinical and necropsy observations in the case of a patient with prosthetic-valve endocarditis due to Listeria monocytogenes are presented. Although rare cases of L. monocytogenes infection of natural cardiac valves have been reported, this represents the first known case of infection of a prosthetic cardiac valve by this organism.
Insights
This study reports the first known case of prosthetic-valve endocarditis caused by Listeria monocytogenes. This rare bacterial infection highlights a new risk for patients with artificial heart valves.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Prosthetic heart valves are susceptible to various infections.
- Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium known to cause foodborne illness and invasive infections.
Observation:
- Clinical and necropsy findings from a patient with prosthetic-valve endocarditis are detailed.
- The patient presented with an infection specifically caused by Listeria monocytogenes.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of Listeria monocytogenes infecting a prosthetic cardiac valve.
- While Listeria monocytogenes infections of natural valves are rare, this is a novel presentation in prosthetic valves.
Implications:
- This finding expands the spectrum of pathogens associated with prosthetic-valve endocarditis.
- Clinicians should consider Listeria monocytogenes in the differential diagnosis of prosthetic-valve endocarditis, especially in at-risk populations.