Kocuria kristinae-Induced Infective Endocarditis: Unveiling an Emerging Threat in Clinical Practice.

Infective endocarditis (IE) remains a formidable challenge in clinical practice due to several causative agents, each presenting with unique diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. , a coagulase-negative, catalase-positive Gram-positive coccus, has recently emerged as an uncommon but increasingly recognized pathogen in the cause of IE. This case report highlights the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and challenges associated with -induced IE. We conducted a comprehensive literature review and identified several case reports on  as a causative agent. Due to its indolent nature and the subtle presentation of symptoms, along with its ability to form biofilms, delayed diagnosis of  is often seen, thereby emphasizing the need for heightened clinical suspicion. The predisposing factors for  infection include underlying cardiac abnormalities, prosthetic heart valves, and immunocompromised states. Additionally, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and optimal treatment strategies remain unclear, warranting further investigation. This abstract presents the case of a 75-year-old male with IE secondary to  on a prosthetic mitral valve. We aim to highlight the need for increased awareness among clinicians to facilitate early recognition and prompt initiation of targeted therapeutic interventions. Unraveling the intricacies of  pathogenicity is crucial for refining diagnostic approaches and optimizing patient outcomes.