Culture negative endocarditis caused by Bartonella henselae in a child with congenital heart disease.

A 9-year-old white male with congenital aortic and subaortic stenosis palliated by the Ross-Konno procedure presented with culture-negative endocarditis. Serologic studies and polymerase chain reaction testing of resected homograft valvular tissue provided evidence of Bartonella henselae as the etiology. B. henselae can cause endocarditis in children, particularly those with underlying valvular disease. Serologic testing for B. henselae should be considered in children with culture-negative endocarditis.