Complicated Infective Endocarditis Due to Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus canis Bacteremia: A Multisystem Case Requiring Interdisciplinary Management
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: We present a complex case of a 36-year-old female with right-sided infective endocarditis (IE) due to methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and Streptococcus canis bacteremia, with the initial source attributed to a chronic toe wound exposed to canine saliva. Her course involved multiple organ systems with complications including septic pulmonary emboli, valvular vegetations, suspected septal abscess, third-degree atrioventricular block, and evidence of septic arthritis. The complexity of her case required coordinated management between infectious diseases, cardiothoracic surgery, electrophysiology, orthopedic surgery, interventional radiology, and cardiac critical care teams. Despite persistent bacteremia and being a high-risk surgical candidate, interdisciplinary collaboration enabled eventual stabilization for surgical intervention. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of managing complicated, polymicrobial IE and exemplifies the crucial role of a multidisciplinary approach in treating this complex case.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.96614
Authors: Abigail E Smith, John M West, August Anderson, Patrick Yue
Institution: Augusta University
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4416120799