Molecular identification of pathogens from excised heart valves of infective endocarditis cases

Infective endocarditis is a life-threatening disease and identification of the pathogenic organisms is crucial for better prognosis. However, in some conditions, such as previous antibiotic usage or infection with fastidious organisms, obtaining positive cultures results is difficult. In addition to conventional culture methods, a molecular approach has been developed over several decades, such as broad-range 16S rRNA gene PCR and sequencing using excised tissues, to detect the pathogens. The current consensus is that this method is useful for the diagnosis and management of infective endocarditis patients and it has been suggested that these molecular results should be included as a new Deke criterion. Although molecular technique cannot replace culture methods and should be interpreted carefully, broad-range 16S rRNA/sequencing has great value in complementing conventional methods. Tissue samples from infective endocarditis cases should be examined by this method for better management of the patients.