Lactobacillus rhamnosus, a bacterium commonly found in the gut and used in probiotic supplements, as a cause of endocarditis in a patient with a surgical aortic valve replacement and recent dental cleaning
Lactobacillus rhamnosus endocarditis is a rare but significant complication in patients with mechanical heart valves. We present a case of a 73-year-old male with a mechanical aortic valve who developed endocarditis following a routine dental cleaning, despite receiving standard of care prophylactic...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
SMC MEDIA SRL
2025-06-01
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| Series: | European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.ejcrim.com/index.php/EJCRIM/article/view/5545 |
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| Summary: | Lactobacillus rhamnosus endocarditis is a rare but significant complication in patients with mechanical heart valves. We present a case of a 73-year-old male with a mechanical aortic valve who developed endocarditis following a routine dental cleaning, despite receiving standard of care prophylactic antibiotics. Blood cultures confirmed L. rhamnosus, and imaging highlighted persistent inflammation around the mechanical valve. Management focused on evolving antibiotic therapy with close routine monitoring. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges and therapeutic complexities of Lactobacillus-related endocarditis and highlights the need for heightened vigilance in at-risk populations following invasive procedures. Further research is warranted to optimize management strategies for this uncommon pathogen. |
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| ISSN: | 2284-2594 |