Corynebacterium Bacteremia in a High-Risk Host: A Diagnostic Dilemma of Contamination Versus True Infective Endocarditis

Authors

• Arman Manjikian, Department of Internal Medicine, HCA Healthcare; MountainView Hospital, Las Vegas, NV, USAFollow
• Christopher Aboujaoude, Department of Internal Medicine HCA Healthcare; MountainView Hospital, Las Vegas, NV, USA
• Nicole Rock, Department of Internal Medicine, HCA Healthcare; MountainView Hospital, Las Vegas, NV, USA
• Don Pepito, Institutional Affiliation: Core Faculty Department of Internal Medicine, HCA Healthcare; MountainView Hospital, Las Vegas, NV, USA

Abstract

Corynebacterium species are often regarded as skin contaminants when isolated from clinical cultures. However, in select high-risk patients, these organisms can lead to significant infections, including infective endocarditis. We present the case of a 76-year-old woman with multiple comorbidities, including end stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis and an exposed tunneled central catheter, who developed Corynebacterium-associated native mitral valve endocarditis requiring surgical intervention. Despite prompt antimicrobial therapy and bioprosthetic valve replacement, her hospital course was complicated by heart block, empyema, and eventual cardiac arrest. This case highlights the importance of recognizing Corynebacterium as a potential pathogen in vulnerable patients and reviewing the growing body of literature on this rare but serious cause of endocarditis.

Recommended Citation

Manjikian, Arman; Aboujaoude, Christopher; Rock, Nicole; and Pepito, Don (2026) "Corynebacterium Bacteremia in a High-Risk Host: A Diagnostic Dilemma of Contamination Versus True Infective Endocarditis," Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives: Vol. 16: Iss. 4, Article 22.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55729/2000-9666.1633
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.gbmc.org/jchimp/vol16/iss4/22

DOI

10.55729/2000-9666.1633