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Staphylococcus lugdunensis: an important cause of endocarditis. A case report
H C Schønheyder1, V K Hansen, P Asschenfeldt
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aalborg Hospital, Denmark.
Summary
Staphylococcus lugdunensis endocarditis occurred in a woman on dialysis. The bacteria was found in blood, a graft fistula, and on heart valves, confirming the diagnosis post-mortem.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease requiring hemodialysis presents unique challenges for patient health.
- Vascular access, such as graft fistulas, are common in hemodialysis patients.
- Infective endocarditis is a serious infection of the heart lining or valves.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old female patient undergoing chronic hemodialysis was diagnosed with endocarditis.
- Staphylococcus lugdunensis was identified in blood cultures and from her Gore-Tex graft fistula.
- Autopsy revealed vegetations containing Gram-positive cocci on the mitral valve leaflets.
Findings:
- Staphylococcus lugdunensis was confirmed as the causative agent of endocarditis.
- The infection involved both the bloodstream and the vascular access graft.
- Mitral valve vegetations indicate significant cardiac involvement.
Implications:
- Staphylococcus lugdunensis should be considered in hemodialysis patients presenting with signs of endocarditis.
- Vascular access sites may serve as a nidus for infection in susceptible patients.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing infective endocarditis in this population.