Peptostreptococcus anaerobius infective endocarditis complicated by spleen infarction

Abstract

Peptostreptococcus sp., which are normal flora of human mucocutaneous surfaces, can be recovered in mixed infections involving the skin, soft tissue, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary tract. Peptostreptococci are rarely reported to be the cause of infective endocarditis. Because of their fastidiousness, peptostreptococci are difficult to isolate and are often overlooked. The authors report a case of Peptostreptococcus infective endocarditis of a native mitral valve complicated by splenic infarction. The authors also review the literature to identify features of infective endocarditis caused by Peptostreptococcus anaerobius.