Infective endocarditis caused by Listeria monocytogenes: review of the literature and a case report

Abstract

Infective endocarditis caused by Listeria monocytogenes is an extremely rare but usually aggressive disease. We have seen in recent years an increase in age of onset of this disease and a predilection for patients With valvular disease, especially prosthetic valve. The treatment of choice is ampicillin, which is combined with gentamicin for synergy. It is known that even with treatment the Mortality is very high and higher than in other types of bacterial endocarditis. With optimal therapy, that is medical-surgical, mortality has declined significantly in recent years. We presents a review of literature and a clinical ease of a patient with a febrile syndrome diagnosed as a infective endocarditis caused by L. monocytogenes treated Medically with successful Outcome to date.