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Published on: December 15, 2011
Subacute endocarditis due to Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae
1Laboratorium microbiologie Heilig-Hartziekenhuis Roeselare-Menen, Wilgenstraat 2, 8800 Roeselare, België. tomspiritus@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a rare cause of endocarditis. Most cases were observed in people working with animals. We report a case in a 45-year old man without any exposure to animals. He was admitted to our hospital because of dyspnoea. Blood cultures were drawn following fever on day 8 of hospitalisation. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was cultured and echocardiography showed a vegetation on the mitral valve. Appropriate antibiotic therapy and surgical treatment led to a good outcome of the infection.
Insights
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae endocarditis is rare, often linked to animal exposure. This case highlights a rare instance in a patient with no animal contact, successfully treated with antibiotics and surgery.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is an uncommon cause of infective endocarditis.
- Endocarditis cases are typically associated with occupational animal exposure.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old male patient presented with dyspnea.
- The patient had no history of animal exposure.
- Fever developed on day 8 of hospitalization, prompting blood cultures.
Findings:
- Blood cultures identified Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.
- Echocardiography revealed a vegetation on the mitral valve.
- Combined antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention were administered.
Implications:
- This case expands the known clinical spectrum of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae endocarditis.
- It underscores the importance of considering Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in endocarditis cases, even without typical risk factors.
- Successful management highlights the efficacy of a multimodal treatment approach.
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