Mycobacterium fortuitum complex endocarditis-case report and literature review

Clin Microbiol Infect. 2002 Feb;8(2):125-9. doi: 10.1046/j.1198-743x.2001.00397.x.

Abstract

Endocarditis due to Mycobacterium fortuitum complex is a rare entity generally linked to the hospital environment. Only 18 cases have been published since 1966. Here we present a case of a female who developed an endocarditis due to Mycobacterium chelonae after valve replacement as well as a review of the literature. The course of this kind of endocarditis is generally subacute and the outcome is usually fatal. Blood cultures were positive in 75% of cases of metallic valve endocarditis, versus 20% in bioprostheses. The treatment must include antibiotics that have shown activity against these mycobacteria, such as amikacin, imipenem, cefoxitin, fluorinated quinolones and macrolides (especially clarithromycin). Surgical removal is recommended. Although the prognosis for the patient is poor, we should expect better outcomes with the use of new antibiotic regimens.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / complications
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / therapy
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial* / complications
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial* / drug therapy
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial* / etiology
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial* / microbiology
  • Female
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / complications
  • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / therapy
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous* / complications
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous* / drug therapy
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous* / etiology
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous* / microbiology
  • Mycobacterium fortuitum* / isolation & purification
  • Mycobacterium fortuitum* / physiology
  • Prognosis