Subacute endocarditis due to Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

T Spiritus1, I Surmont

  • 1Laboratorium microbiologie Heilig-Hartziekenhuis Roeselare-Menen, Wilgenstraat 2, 8800 Roeselare, België. tomspiritus@hotmail.com

Acta Clinica Belgica
|April 8, 2004
PubMed

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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