Aggregatibacter aphrophilus endocarditis is most likely sourced from which site?

Aggregatibacter aphrophilus endocarditis is most likely sourced from which site?

• A. Endogenous from the oral cavity
• B. Aerosol inhalation from birds
• C. Puncture wound contaminated with soil
• D. Wound following rat bite

Answer: (A)

Aggregatibacter aphrophilus is part of the normal oral microbiota and is a member of the HACEK group commonly linked to subacute endocarditis. Endocarditis with this organism usually arises from bacteremia that starts in the mouth, often after dental procedures or periodontal disease, so the source is the oral cavity itself. The other scenarios involve different reservoirs (birds, soil, rat bites) and organisms not typically associated with A. aphrophilus endocarditis.

Aggregatibacter aphrophilus is part of the normal oral microbiota and is a member of the HACEK group commonly linked to subacute endocarditis. Endocarditis with this organism usually arises from bacteremia that starts in the mouth, often after dental procedures or periodontal disease, so the source is the oral cavity itself. The other scenarios involve different reservoirs (birds, soil, rat bites) and organisms not typically associated with A. aphrophilus endocarditis.