Prosthetic-Valve Endocarditis with Discordant Isolates: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

Infective endocarditis with discordant isolates presents a complex diagnostic challenge. The etiological diagnosis must rely primarily on the results of blood cultures, whereas valve culture plays a complementary role-useful more for prognostic stratification than for initial diagnostic purposes. A multidisciplinary approach and a critical interpretation of microbiological findings are essential to optimise therapeutic management and improve patient outcomes.