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Listeria monocytogenes endocarditis in a patient with an aortic prosthetic valve
M Castro Cabezas1, M J Cramer, B M de Jongh
1Department of Internal Medicine, St. Antonius Hospital, Koekoekslaan, Netherlands.
Abstract:
Patients with prosthetic cardiac valves have an increased risk of developing bacterial endocarditis. The causative micro-organism in bacterial endocarditis may be a guide to the portal of entry. In this case report, we describe a patient with a prosthetic cardiac valve who suffered from recurrent endocarditis with different micro-organisms from the gastrointestinal tract.
Insights
Patients with prosthetic valves face higher risks of bacterial endocarditis. This case highlights recurrent infections originating from the gastrointestinal tract, emphasizing diverse microbial causes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Patients with prosthetic cardiac valves are at increased risk for bacterial endocarditis.
- Identifying the causative microorganism can suggest the infection's origin.
Observation:
- This case report details a patient with a prosthetic cardiac valve who experienced recurrent endocarditis.
- The infections involved different microorganisms sequentially.
Findings:
- The recurrent endocarditis episodes were caused by distinct microorganisms.
- These microorganisms were identified as originating from the gastrointestinal tract.
Implications:
- Prosthetic valve endocarditis can have diverse microbial etiologies.
- Gastrointestinal portals of entry should be considered in recurrent prosthetic valve endocarditis.
- This underscores the need for vigilant monitoring and tailored treatment strategies.