Staphylococcus capitis endocarditis: two cases and review of the literature. (1st September 1999)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sandoe, J A T; Kerr, K G; Reynolds, G W; Jain, S
• Is Part Of: Heart. Volume 82(1999)Supplement 3
• Page Start: e1
• Page End: e1
• Publication Date: 1999-09-01
• Subjects: Staphylococcus capitis -- endocarditis -- valvar disease -- coagulase negative staphylococci; Heart -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Periodicals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1136/hrt.82.3.e1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-6037

Abstract

Abstract : Coagulase negative staphylococci are the principal cause of prosthetic valve endocarditis but are a rare cause of native valve infections. However, the incidence of native valve endocarditis is increasing. Staphylococcus capitis is a coagulase negative staphylococcus with the capacity to cause endocarditis on native heart valves. Two cases of native valve endocarditis caused by S capitis are presented; both in patients with aortic valve disease. The patients were cured with prolonged intravenous vancomycin and rifampicin and did not need surgery during the acute phase of the illness. Five of the six previously described cases of endocarditis caused by this organism occurred on native valves and responded to medical treatment alone.