Related Experiment Videos
[Fatal mitral valve endocarditis by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae]
G V Vallespi1, D A Pipet, S A Mattoni
1Laboratorio y Clinica Medica Hospital ZGA Dra. C. Grierson Alberdi 38, Guernica (1862), Pcia. de Buenos Aires. gvallespi@infovia.com.ar
Revista Argentina De Microbiologia
|September 24, 2005
Summary
This case report details a fatal Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae mitral valve endocarditis in a patient without animal contact. The study highlights key diagnostic features and antimicrobial resistance patterns for this rare infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is an emerging pathogen, often associated with animal contact.
- Mitral valve endocarditis is a serious cardiac infection requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old male with chronic alcohol abuse presented with symptoms suggestive of endocarditis.
- Blood cultures revealed gram-positive pleomorphic rods, later identified as Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.
- Transthoracic echocardiogram confirmed mitral valve endocarditis.
Findings:
- The Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae isolate exhibited resistance to vancomycin and gentamicin but susceptibility to penicillin and cefotaxime.
- The patient experienced initial improvement with ampicillin and gentamicin but ultimately succumbed to acute pulmonary edema.
Implications:
- Accurate identification of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae relies on specific microbiological tests, including H2S production.
- Vancomycin resistance can aid in identifying this pathogen and guide appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
- The potential for Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection in individuals without direct animal contact warrants consideration.