Granulicatella adiacens Endocarditis of a Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve

Cureus. 2023 Jun 21;15(6):e40720. doi: 10.7759/cureus.40720. eCollection 2023 Jun.

Abstract

Infective endocarditis (IE) is relatively uncommon; however, when it is diagnosed, it is usually among those with known cardiac valvular abnormalities. The most common pathogens that cause endocarditis are streptococci (mainly viridans), enterococci, and other streptococci species. An extremely rare pathogen that could cause IE is Granulicatella. This gram-positive coccus classically inhabits human mucosal surfaces and only rarely causes disease. We present an incredibly rare case of a 74-year-old female with a bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement, who presented with headache and weakness and was subsequently found to have recurrent Granulicatella adiacens infective endocarditis.

Keywords: adult cardiology; bioprosthetic aortic valve; culture-negative infective endocarditis; fastidious bacteria; granulicatella adiacens; infectious disease; infectious disease medicine; infective endocarditis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports