Neisseria elongata endocarditis: case report and literature review.

We describe a case of infective endocarditis due to Neisseria elongata, and review the literature. N. elongata is a constituent of the normal oral flora and a rare cause of infective endocarditis. Unfamiliarity with the organism and its rod-shaped morphology may lead to a delay in microbiological diagnosis. Although the organism is relatively sensitive to antibiotics, our experience in the management of the described case and a review of previous reports suggest that antibiotic therapy alone may not be sufficient. It is likely that patients with N. elongata endocarditis will require surgery.