Aortic valve endocarditis from Enterococcus hirae infection

Abstract

Staphylococci, streptococci, and enterococci are frequently associated with endocarditis, but numerous complex and diverse species exist among the three groups and identification of specific pathogens can aid in treatment. One particular organism, Enterococcus hirae, is rarely described in the literature as a human pathogen and is more commonly identified among certain bird groups. We present the first documented case of human Enterococcus hirae infective endocarditis in the USA, representing only the fourth case worldwide.

Keywords:

• Aortic valve endocarditis
• critical care
• Enterococcus hirae
• infectious disease