Aortic valve endocarditis from Staphylococcus lugdunensis

Abstract

This is a case of aortic valve endocarditis and leaflet perforation caused by Staphylococcus lugdunensis successfully treated with aortic valve replacement and antibiotics. We believe that the patient's endocarditis may be related to the vasectomy he underwent two months prior to presentation, as S. lugdunensis is an integral component of normal skin flora of the lower abdomen and groin. We also suggest that whenever this organism is found in patients with endocarditis, early surgical treatment of the infected valve should be considered, as S. lugdunensis is an aggressive and virulent coagulase-negative staphylococcus.