Culture-negative Endocarditis Caused by Bartonella henselae

Abstract

There is Bartonella henselae (B. henselae) leads to cat-scratch disease and causes infective endocarditis, but shows as negative in blood cultures. We performed aortic valve replacement in a patient with aortic valve infective endocarditis which was regative on blood cultures. The patient had a contact history with a cat prior to admission. Thus, we suspected B. henselae and made a definitive diagnosis by PCR method and Warthin-Starry (WS) stain. A correct diagnosis was possible by detailed history taking and the use of appropriate antibiotics.