A rare case of native mitral valve infective endocarditis by Lactobacillus jensenii in a healthy young patient
Issued Date
2025-06-01
Resource Type
eISSN
27727076
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105004277692
Journal Title
IJID Regions
Volume
15
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
IJID Regions Vol.15 (2025)
Suggested Citation
Yinadsawaphan T., Kulthamrongsri N., Malone R.M.C., Surapongpairat S., Puchongmart C., Thiravetyan B., Imwattana K., Na Witayanan J. A rare case of native mitral valve infective endocarditis by Lactobacillus jensenii in a healthy young patient. IJID Regions Vol.15 (2025). doi:10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100648 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/110085
Title
A rare case of native mitral valve infective endocarditis by Lactobacillus jensenii in a healthy young patient
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Lactobacillus jensenii, a Gram-positive facultative anaerobic bacterium, is part of the normal vaginal microbiome and is occasionally found in fermented foods and probiotics. It is a rare cause of infections, with infective endocarditis (IE) being exceedingly uncommon. We report a case of IE caused by Lactobacillus jensenii in a previously healthy 15-year-old female who presented with progressive dyspnea, fever, and severe mitral regurgitation. Echocardiography revealed a vegetative mass on the anterior mitral leaflet. Blood cultures identified L. jensenii using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight mass spectrometry. Surgical repair confirmed myxomatous degeneration and chronic inflammation of the mitral valve. The patient fully recovered after surgery and a 6-week antibiotic course. A review of 12 reported cases of L. jensenii IE, including our case, shows a predominance in immunocompetent females, possibly due to its role as a vaginal commensal. Most cases involved native valves with underlying pathology facilitating bacterial colonization. An empirical regimen with ampicillin and gentamicin is effective against L. jensenii. A treatment duration of 4-6 weeks is sufficient, with favorable outcomes.