Cardiobacterium

A genus of bacteria in the family Cardiobacteriaceae

Cardiobacterium is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria that belongs to the family Cardiobacteriaceae. This genus is known for its role in infective endocarditis, particularly in humans. The most notable species within this genus is Cardiobacterium hominis.

Characteristics

Cardiobacterium species are facultative anaerobes, meaning they can survive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. They are part of the normal flora of the human oropharynx but can become pathogenic under certain conditions.

Morphology

Cardiobacterium are pleomorphic, meaning they can have various shapes, but they are generally rod-shaped. They are non-motile and do not form spores.

Growth and Cultivation

These bacteria grow best in enriched media under conditions that mimic the human body, such as 5% carbon dioxide. They are slow-growing, which can make them difficult to isolate in laboratory settings.

Pathogenicity

Cardiobacterium hominis is primarily associated with endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. This condition is part of the HACEK group, a collection of Gram-negative bacteria that are a common cause of endocarditis in patients with pre-existing heart conditions.

Clinical Manifestations

Patients with Cardiobacterium endocarditis may present with symptoms such as fever, heart murmur, and signs of embolic phenomena. Diagnosis is often confirmed through blood cultures and echocardiography.

Treatment

Treatment of Cardiobacterium infections typically involves prolonged courses of antibiotics, such as penicillin or ceftriaxone. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or replace damaged heart valves.

Prevention

Preventive measures include maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, as these bacteria are part of the oral flora. Prophylactic antibiotics may be recommended for high-risk patients undergoing dental procedures.

Related pages

• Infective endocarditis
• HACEK organisms
• Gram-negative bacteria