A patient who had surgery to put in a pacemaker and who states he felt fine for the first 2 months now presents 3 months postoperatively with complaints of malaise and increasing fatigue. He is running a low-grade fever, tires easily, and has worsening heart murmurs. Which of the following staphylococcal organisms causes subacute bacterial endocarditis that generally occurs 2 months or more after heart surgery?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Staphylococcus epidermidis is ubiquitous as part of the normal flora. Organisms are introduced into the host during invasive procedures. Staph. aureus is more likely to be acute, with high fever and damage developing more quickly.

A Patient Who Had Surgery to Put in a Pacemaker