Concomitant endocarditis and spondylodiscitis due to coagulase-negative Staphylococci and a review of the literature. (2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Houkes, Karlijn M.G.; Mudde, Saskia E.; Constantinescu, Alina A.; Verkaik, Nelianne J.; Yusuf, Erlangga
• Is Part Of: IDCases. Volume 24(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021
• Subjects: Endocarditis -- Spondylodiscitis -- Coagulase-negative staphylococci; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Case Reports; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2021.e01100
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-2509

Abstract

Highlights: When CoNS are found repetitively in the context of cardiac foreign body materials, endocarditis should be considered. Given the subacute nature of CoNS-infections, one needs to alert to endocarditis, even if the symptoms are still mild. When CoNS-related endocarditis patients complain of back pain, concominantly occuring spondylodiscitis should be considered. Concominant endocarditis and spondylodiscitis caused by CoNS is rare with only 12 cases reported in literature so far. Abstract: Background: Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are part of the normal skin flora. Although CoNS are generally considered as low pathogenic microorganisms, they can cause serious infections, particularly in the context of foreign body material. Case report: Here we present two cases of concomitant infectious endocarditis and spondylodiscitis; one caused by S. epidermidis, the other by S. haemolyticus . Additionally, we reviewed the literature for previously reported cases of concomitant endocarditis and spondylodiscitis due to CoNS. Conclusion: In patients with back pain and a cardiac device in situ, CoNS should be considered as causative pathogens for possible endocarditis and/or spondylodiscitis, and should not be regarded as contamination.