Endocarditis caused by an oral taxon species of Bergeyella identified by partial 16S rDNA sequencing: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Bergeyella spp bacteremia is a rare cause of infective endocarditis and is typically associated with animal contact. This case report presents a case of culture-negative endocarditis caused by Bergeyella spp oral taxon 422 in a 49-year-old man with severe periodontal disease but no animal contact. Multiple sets of blood cultures were negative, but broad-range 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing repeatedly detected this organism in the patient’s bloodstream. Empiric broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment against Bergeyella spp resulted in resolution of clinical symptoms, resolution of bloodstream infection, and cure. This is the first human case of endocarditis caused by an oral-associated species of Bergeyella described in the literature. Culture-negative endocarditis due to Bergeyella spp from severe periodontal disease may be missed unless molecular detection methods are used.