Candida guilliermondii endocarditis in a patient with prosthetic mitral valve: a case report.

Abstract

Background and purpose: Candida endocarditis, though rare, presents significant risks, especially in prosthetic valve recipients. Candida guilliermondii is an uncommon causative pathogen, necessitating a high index of suspicion, advanced diagnostics, and prompt antifungal therapy to improve patient outcomes.

Case presentation: A 57-year-old male with a history of rheumatic heart disease and prior mitral valve replacement presented with fever, chills, and generalized body aches for 10 days. Laboratory investigations revealed microcytic hypochromic anemia, while echocardiography demonstrated prosthetic valve vegetation with mild to moderate aortic regurgitation. Blood cultures confirmed C. guilliermondii infection.

Conclusion: Early recognition, multidisciplinary collaboration, and tailored antifungal therapy are pivotal for favorable outcomes in C. guilliermondii prosthetic valve endocarditis. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive diagnostics and vigilant patient management to mitigate complications and improve prognosis.