Metastatic Osteoarticular Infective Endocarditis by Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus

Abstract

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a well-known complication of bacteremia with high-risk microorganisms such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Skin and soft tissue infections with Staphylococcus remain a significant cause of bacteremia and IE, even with proper prompt management of the source of infection and the absence of risk factors. Although methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a well-known etiology for osteoarticular septic emboli in IE, healthcare providers should be aware of the hidden virulence of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus for metastatic osteoarticular infection. We report a case of IE with septic vertebral embolic lesion complicating a properly managed acute paronychia.

Keywords: infective endocarditis; methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus; paronychia; septic emboli; skin infection.