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Vibrio fetus endocarditis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|November 1, 1976
Abstract:
Vibrio fetus endocarditis occurred in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus receiving azathoprin and prednisone. Blood cultures required 14 days to become positive. The fastidious growth requirement of this organism is reviewed because lack of appreciation of these may result in failure to make the diagnosis. This is the first reported case of Vibrio fetus endocarditis occurring in the setting of a connective tissue disorder and immunosuppressive therapy.
Insights
A rare Vibrio fetus endocarditis case occurred in an immunosuppressed patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. Diagnosis requires awareness of the organism
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease.
- Patients with SLE often require immunosuppressive therapy.
- Azathioprine and prednisone are common immunosuppressants used in SLE management.
Observation:
- A patient with SLE on azathioprine and prednisone developed endocarditis.
- Blood cultures for this patient showed positive results for Vibrio fetus after 14 days.
- Vibrio fetus has fastidious growth requirements.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of Vibrio fetus endocarditis in a patient with a connective tissue disorder and immunosuppressive therapy.
- Delayed positive blood cultures highlight the challenges in diagnosing Vibrio fetus infections.
- The fastidious nature of Vibrio fetus necessitates specific laboratory awareness for accurate identification.
Implications:
- Increased clinical suspicion for Vibrio fetus is warranted in immunocompromised patients presenting with endocarditis.
- Diagnostic laboratories must be aware of the specific culture requirements for Vibrio fetus to avoid missed diagnoses.
- This case underscores the importance of considering unusual pathogens in immunosuppressed individuals.