Corynebacterium Jeikeium Endocarditis: A Review of the Literature

Cardiol Rev. 2021 Sep-Oct;29(5):259-262. doi: 10.1097/CRD.0000000000000355.

Abstract

Corynebacterium jeikeium is a gram-positive, aerobic, pleomorphic, nonspore forming bacillus, commonly present on the skin surface. Infective endocarditis secondary to C. jeikeium most commonly affects left-sided heart valves and has a higher likelihood to require valve replacement compared to other Corynebacterium endocarditis. C. jeikeium endocarditis is extremely difficult to treat as it is characteristically resistant to penicillin, cephalosporins and aminoglycosides, and sensitivity to quinolones, macrolides, tetracyclines and rifampin is variable. Despite treatment, mortality rates as high as 33% have been reported. We hereby review the literature regarding the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of this deadly microorganism.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Corynebacterium Infections* / diagnosis
  • Corynebacterium Infections* / drug therapy
  • Corynebacterium Infections* / epidemiology
  • Corynebacterium Infections* / microbiology
  • Corynebacterium*
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial* / diagnosis
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial* / drug therapy
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial* / epidemiology
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial* / microbiology
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents

Supplementary concepts

  • Corynebacterium jeikeium