DOI: 10.12890/2025_005545

Lactobacillus rhamnosus, a bacterium commonly found in the gut and used in probiotic supplements, as a cause of endocarditis in a patient with a surgical aortic valve replacement and recent dental cleaning

Authors

  • Kade Wagers University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA
  • Raumin Neuville Internal Medicine Residency Program, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
  • Casey Strobelt Internal Medicine Residency Program, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA
  • Richard Rose Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA; Department of General Internal Medicine, Salt Lake City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, USA

kade.wagers@hsc.utah.edu

Keywords

Lactobacillus, endocarditis, mechanical aortic valve

Abstract

Lactobacillus rhamnosus endocarditis is a rare but significant complication in patients with mechanical heart valves. We present a case of a 73-year-old male with a mechanical aortic valve who developed endocarditis following a routine dental cleaning, despite receiving standard of care prophylactic antibiotics. Blood cultures confirmed L. rhamnosus, and imaging highlighted persistent inflammation around the mechanical valve. Management focused on evolving antibiotic therapy with close routine monitoring. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges and therapeutic complexities of Lactobacillus-related endocarditis and highlights the need for heightened vigilance in at-risk populations following invasive procedures. Further research is warranted to optimize management strategies for this uncommon pathogen.

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References

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Published

2025-06-19

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 7 (2025)

Categories

How to Cite

1.
Wagers K, Neuville R, Strobelt C, Rose R. Lactobacillus rhamnosus, a bacterium commonly found in the gut and used in probiotic supplements, as a cause of endocarditis in a patient with a surgical aortic valve replacement and recent dental cleaning. EJCRIM [Internet]. 2025 Jun. 19 [cited 2026 Nov. 3];12(7). Available from: https://ejcrim.com/index.php/ejcrim/article/view/5545