Case report. Cardiobacterium hominis: review of prior infections and report of endocarditis on a fascia lata prosthetic heart valve

Abstract

The clinical spectrum of disease caused by Cardiobacterium hominis, a small, gram-negative coccobacillus, is little known to physicians. From analysis of a new case of C hominis endocarditis on a fascia lata aortic valve, and from review of all previous reports of infection due to this microorganism, a remarkably consistent clinical picture emerged. C hominis only causes endocarditis, affects middle-aged individuals with structurally abnormal, left-sided cardiac valves, and follows a subacute course associated with the frequent occurrence of mycotic aneurysms and embolic phenomena. The methodology and therapeutic importance of identifying this organism and separating it from the closely related Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Eikenella corrodens, and Haemophilus aphrophilus is emphasized. Either penicillin alone or penicillin plus an aminoglycoside is recommended for therapy.