Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Cardiobacterium hominis (C. hominis) is part of the normal flora of the human oropharynx. Although uncommon, it is a significant cause of endocarditis, particularly in individuals with pre-existing valvular heart disease. The combination of its rarity, prolonged blood culture incubation time, and nonspecific clinical presentation makes C. hominis infections particularly challenging to diagnose. We present the first known published case of pancytopenia secondary to C. hominis bacteremia in an elderly male, likely incited by a gastrointestinal endoscopic procedure. We discuss the importance of recognizing signs of subclinical bacteremia and maintaining a broad differential for pancytopenia for timely diagnosis and management.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.86358
Authors: Annie Kleynerman, Ryan C Day, Iiro Honkanen
Institution: Medical College of Wisconsin
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411448904