Late aortic homograft valve endocarditis caused by Cardiobacterium hominis: a case report and review of the literature

An unusual case of Cardiobacterium hominis endocarditis involving an aortic homograft valve is presented. Although the patient was young (a 17 year ol d man) and showed few of the characteristic features of the disease, the re port does illustrate a number of the problems associated with this illness and highlights the need for the careful assessment of apparent culture nega tive endocarditis. The organism itself is susceptible to most antibiotics b ut further treatment, including surgery, may be necessary. Patients must th erefore be examined repeatedly and assessed for haemodynamic deterioration, valve destruction or embolic phenomena. Homograft valve replacement may of fer some benefits in the setting of aortic valve endocarditis and is theref ore an attractive option in this situation.