Staphylococcus capitis causing aortic valve endocarditis.

Coagulase-negative staphylococci have been implicated in certain human infections but are generally considered to be contaminants. Although their clinical significance has been questioned, rare species of coagulase-negative staphylococci such as Staphylococcus capitis and Staphylococcus ludgunensis have recently emerged which cause endocarditis with high morbidity and mortality rates. We report a case of severe aortic valve endocarditis with conduction delays due to S. capitis infection which was treated successfully with antibiotics.