title: First Case of Tricuspid Valve Endocarditis Caused by Gemella bergeri.
abstract: Gemella bergeri is a Gram-positive cocci species arranged in pairs and composes the normal flora of oral cavity, digestive and urinary tract. Several species of Gemella are known to cause endocarditis. Here, we report the first case in Thailand of G. bergeri endocarditis whose blood culture was negative using routine methods but was positive by PCR identification of bacteria in the affected valve. A 37-year-old male presented with prolonged fever, weight loss, and dyspnea on exertion. By transthoracic echocardiography, he was suspected of having infective endocarditis of the tricuspid valve. The patient underwent tricuspid valve repair and vegetectomy. Routine hospital blood cultures were negative but G. bergeri was identified by PCR/sequencing of the heart valve tissue.
authors: Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
authors: Orathai
authors: O
authors: Pachirat
authors: International Emerging Infection Program (IEIP), Thailand MOPH-US CDC Collaboration, Nonthaburi 10110, Thailand.
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Watt
authors: Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
authors: Burabha
authors: B
authors: Pussadhamma