Conclusions
Abiotrophia defectiva is a rare cause of infective endocarditis that is
a typical inhabitant of the GI tract. Embolization of an endocarditis
nidus is more frequent compared to other infectious species, however our
patient also experienced dissemination to the bone and embolization to
the brain, an infrequent occurrence. Our patient recovered without
complications after treatment with a course of penicillin and gentamicin
in the inpatient setting, and with outpatient management on ceftriaxone.
It is our goal to raise the awareness of clinicians to the existence and
complications that can result from A. defectiva endocarditis, as well as
encouraging further research into efficacious antibiotic treatment. We
hope this will result in prompt treatment and avoid further
complications from A. defectiva endocarditis.