Pacemaker endocarditis due to Propionibacterium acnes

Infection. 2003 Jun;31(3):184-5. doi: 10.1007/s15010-002-2193-z.

Abstract

Propionibacterium acnes belongs to the cutaneous flora of humans; it is often considered to be contaminant but has also been found to be a pathogen in human diseases. It is an uncommon causal agent in infective endocarditis and appears to have a predilection for prosthetic valves and foreign bodies. We describe a case of pacemaker endocarditis which shows that so-called harmless bacteria like P. acnes must be considered to be potential pathogens.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / diagnostic imaging
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / microbiology*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / diagnosis*
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / drug therapy
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pacemaker, Artificial / adverse effects*
  • Propionibacterium acnes / isolation & purification*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • C-Reactive Protein