a-72-year-old-male-with-a-history-of-mitral-valve-replacement-presents-with-low-

Question

A 72-year-old male with a history of mitral valve replacement presents with low-grade fever and malaise. Blood cultures reveal growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis. Echocardiography shows vegetations on the prosthetic valve. What is the most likely underlying mechanism of this infection?

Accepted Answer

Colonization of the prosthetic valve with biofilm

Answer

Transient bacteremia

Answer

Primary bloodstream infection

Answer

Direct invasion of the myocardium

A 72-year-old male with a history of mitral valve replacement presents with low-grade fever and malaise. Blood cultures reveal growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis. Echocardiography shows vegetations on the prosthetic valve. What is the most likely underlying mechanism of this infection?