Endocarditis caused by Lactobacillus jensenii in an immunocompetent patient

Abstract

Lactobacilli are Gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria that inhabit the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, vagina and nasal cavity. In this report, a rare case of Lactobacillus jensenii endocarditis in a 47-year-old immunocompetent patient is described. Blood cultures and a replaced mitral valve were positive for L. jensenii as assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Based on susceptibility tests the patient was successfully treated with a mixture of teicoplanin and meropenem antimicrobial therapy.