Kytococcus schroeteri

Kytococcus schroeteri is a gram-positive coccus naturally found as part of the normal skin flora. Infection caused by this organism is not common but seems to be limited to patients with implanted prostheses. To date, there have been only 22 reported cases of K. schroeteri causing disease, of which 9 are cases of prosthetic valve endocarditis. In this review, we report on 3 further cases of K. schroeteri prosthetic valve endocarditis and review the previously reported cases. The common theme is one of delayed diagnosis, with the organism not initially identified, often after initially being misdiagnosed as a Micrococcus species. Prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by K. schroeteri is commonly associated with large vegetations leading to patients often requiring surgical intervention after embolic events or to prevent them. There is currently no guidance in relation to the antimicrobial treatment, but a combination of vancomycin with rifampicin and gentamicin for 6 weeks has been noted to be efficacious.