Identification of an Emergent Pathogen, Bartonella vinsonii, Using Next-Generation Sequencing in a Patient With Culture-Negative Endocarditis

Diagnosis and treatment of culture negative endocarditis remains a challenge. This report describes a rare cause of endocarditis in humans, Bartonella vinsonii, identified through next generation sequencing of plasma microbial cell-free DNA with confirmation of cardiac valve tissue infection through immunohistochemical staining and polymerase chain reaction.