Lactobacillus endocarditis in a healthy patient with probiotic use. (2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pasala, Swetha; Singer, Lillian; Arshad, Tamoore; Roach, Kenneth
• Is Part Of: IDCases. Volume 22(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020
• Subjects: Lactobacillus -- Endocarditis -- Probiotic -- Bacteremia -- Dental; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Case Reports; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2020.e00915
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-2509

Abstract

Abstract: Lactobacilli are commensal anaerobic gram-positive rod organisms that are normal flora of the oral, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal tracts. Lactobacillus rhamnosus is now commonly found in probiotics. They are rarely pathogenic, but occasional cases of bacteremia and associated endocarditis have been noted in patients with pre-disposing factors. We describe a case of Lactobacillus endocarditis in an otherwise healthy patient with probiotic use and gingival laceration and present an accompanying discussion of the potential association of probiotic formulations containing lactobacilli and systemic infection.