Corynebacterium jeikeium pacemaker infection associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies: a single positive blood culture could be sufficient for diagnosis

Corynebacterium jeikeium, a member of the non-diphtheria corynebacteria, has been rarely reported as being responsible for cardiovascular-device infection. Here, we report what is believed to be the first case of C. jeikeium pacemaker infection associated with the presence of proteinase-3 antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. The diagnosis was established based on the positivity of a single positive blood culture and led to pacemaker extraction. This observation highlights the difficulty in the diagnosis of cardiac-device infection in the presence of a single positive blood culture with a fastidious microorganism that could be considered as a contaminant. It also underscores the need for device extraction to ensure healing.

Non-valvular cardiovascular device infection

DOI: 10.3329/uhj.v6i1.7180University Heart Journal Vol.6(1) 2010 pp.1-2