Utility of 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing in the diagnosis of Staphylococcus lugdunensis native valve infective endocarditis: case report and literature review

Abstract

We report a case of possible infective endocarditis without fever presenting with an acutely ischemic limb with prior antimicrobial therapy preventing identification by culture of a microorganism. 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing led to the identification of Staphylococcus lugdunensis from an embolus removed at surgery and subsequent successful antibiotic treatment. We review the utility of 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing in diagnosing infective endocarditis and other infectious conditions.