Infective endocarditis caused by Streptococcus bovis

Abstract

Endocarditis caused by Streptococcus bovis represents 10% of the cases of bacterial endocarditis and is frequently associated with intestinal and liver diseases. We present the case of a 36-year old female patient with a history of rheumatic fever in childhood. The gastrointestinal symptomatology began one year before the bacterial endocarditis. Several invasive clinical investigations as endoscopy and colonoscopy, were performed and subsequently she developed endocarditis. Streptococcus bovis was isolated in microbiological studies. Pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment are detailed. The association between bacteremia from Streptococcus bovis biotype I and intestinal diseases, instrumentation of the digestive tract, and hepatopathy is reviewed. This association suggests a possible mechanism of bacteremia and endocarditis associated with biotype I but this has not been definitely confirmed. We have highlighted the importance of performing echocardiography in all patients with blood cultures positive for Streptococcus bovis who have had invasive studies of the gastrointestinal tract.(MÉD.UIS. 2012;25(3)251-8).