Corynebacterium hemolyticum Endocarditis on a Native Valve

Abstract
We have described a patient with fatal Corynebacterium hemolyticum endocarditis on a native bicuspid aortic valve. This is the first report of endocarditis and the first fatal infection of any kind caused by Corynebacterium hemolyticum. This organism and other nondiphtheria corynebacteria must be considered as potentially serious pathogens in man.