Resumen

HERNANDEZ ROMERO, Rolando José et al. Prosthesic infective endocarditis caused by Cardiobacterium hominis. Rev. virtual Soc. Parag. Med. Int. [online]. 2026, vol.13, n.1, e13142604.  Epub 28-Ene-2026. ISSN 2312-3893.  https://doi.org/10.18004/rvspmi/2312-3893/2026.e13142604.

Infectious endocarditis on prosthetic valves is a serious condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Microorganisms in the HACEK group are an uncommon cause and are characterised by a subacute clinical course and diagnostic difficulties related to their slow growth in blood cultures. Within this group, Cardiobacterium hominis is a rare pathogen, whose late diagnosis can delay the initiation of appropriate treatment.

We present the case of a 77-year-old male patient with biological aortic and mitral valve prostheses and multiple previous cardiac surgeries who consulted for constitutional syndrome, fever, and weight loss. Blood cultures became positive late, isolating C. hominis. Transoesophageal echocardiography showed prosthetic valve thickening without mobile vegetations. Treatment with intravenous ceftriaxone was initiated for six weeks, with adequate tolerance and favourable clinical evolution. Due to the high surgical risk, prolonged suppressive treatment with oral amoxicillin was indicated, with no relapses during follow-up.

Prosthetic endocarditis caused by C. hominis represents a diagnostic challenge due to its insidious presentation and initial non-specific findings. Targeted and prolonged antibiotic treatment is essential for a favourable outcome and, in selected patients with surgical contraindications, oral suppressive therapy may be considered a valid therapeutic strategy.

Palabras clave : Cardiobacterium hominis; bacterial endocarditis; aortic valve; beta-lactam antibiotics; antibiotic prophylaxis.

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