Prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Candida lusitaniae, an uncommon pathogen: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Candida lusitaniae was originally described as a human pathogen in 1979 and typically affects immunocompromised patients.

Case presentation: We describe a case of prosthetic valve endocarditis with Candida lusitaniae in an immunocompetent 62-year-old woman following aortic valve replacement. In vitro testing demonstrated that our isolate was sensitive to amphotericin B, caspofungin and fluconazole.

Conclusion: The infection was lethal despite aggressive medical and surgical management and sterilization of blood cultures. The outcome of our case illustrates the need to recognize Candida lusitaniae fungemia as a life-threatening infection in a patient with a prosthetic aortic valve.

Figure 1

Trans-esophageal echocardiographic image of prosthetic aortic valve vegetations. White arrow indicates largest fungal vegetation identified in this case.

Figure 2

Infected prosthetic aortic valve regurgitation. Trans-esophageal echocardiography was helpful in identification of the prosthetic valve infection and dysfunction.

Figure 3

Infected prosthetic aortic valve. Notice the irregularities on the leaflet surfaces of the removed prosthetic valve.

Figure 4

Prosthetic aortic valve vegetation. Black arrow indicates a vegetation on the removed prosthetic valve.