Abiotrophia-related endocarditis: contribution of molecular biology

BACKGROUND: Former nutritionally-deficient (variant) streptococci were rece ntly separated from other streptococci viridans to constitute a new Abiotro phia genus, subdivided into two species, Abiotrophia defectiva (ex-Streptoc occus defectivus) acid Abiotrophia adjacens (ex-Streptococcus adjacens). CASE REPORT: A woman was admitted to the hospital because of purpura and fe ver Vegetations were shown by trans-esophageal echocardiography. Although b lood samples were positive within 24 hours, accurate identification of the morphologically and biochemically streptococcus-like bacteria that had grow n remained impossible. Molecular biology technicals permitted to identify A biotrophia defectiva, ex-Streptococcus defectivus. DISCUSSION: This new genus is important to be identified in clinical practi ce, because of the increased virulence of these bacteria, when compared wit h Streptococci viridans. They are also frequently penicillin-resistant. Mol ecular biology technicals allow precocious diagnosis, and make possible the improve ment of the prognosis.