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[Endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus lugdunensis. Hospital incidence]
P Llinares1, R Moure, J Cerqueiro
1Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Juan Canalejo, La Coruña.
Enfermedades Infecciosas Y Microbiologia Clinica
|July 17, 1998
Summary
Staphylococcus lugdenensis causes aggressive infectious endocarditis with high mortality, often necessitating valve replacement. Early identification is crucial to differentiate it from other coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS).
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Staphylococcus lugdenensis, a coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CNS), is an aggressive pathogen implicated in various infections, including infectious endocarditis.
- This study investigates the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of endocarditis caused by S. lugdenensis.
Observation:
- A systematic search identified three cases of S. lugdenensis endocarditis on native valves between 1993 and 1997.
- Patients lacked prior heart disease or risk factors; all had positive blood cultures and echocardiogram-confirmed vegetations.
Findings:
- Despite appropriate treatment and valve replacement in one case, two patients developed heart failure, and all three died.
- A literature review of 31 cases revealed a 55% mortality rate, with 85% of survivors requiring surgery.
Implications:
- Infectious endocarditis due to S. lugdenensis is a severe condition with high mortality and frequent need for valve replacement.
- Prompt and accurate identification of S. lugdenensis is essential for effective management and distinguishing it from other CNS species.