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Relapsing brucellosis related to pacemaker infection
Giuseppe Miragliotta1, Adriana Mosca, Giambattista Tantimonaco
1Section of Microbiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Immunology, Infectious Diseases, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. miragliotta@midim.uniba.it
Summary
Pacemaker infections are a serious risk, often caused by common bacteria. This case suggests Brucella melitensis can persist around pacemaker devices, leading to relapsing brucellosis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Pacemaker implantation is a common procedure for cardiac rhythm management.
- Device-associated infections represent a significant complication, impacting patient morbidity and healthcare costs.
- Common causative agents include skin flora and Gram-negative/Gram-positive bacteria.
Observation:
- A patient presented with recurrent episodes suggestive of brucellosis.
- The patient had a history of pacemaker implantation.
- Brucella melitensis was identified in the context of the pacemaker device.
Findings:
- This case suggests Brucella melitensis can persist as a biofilm or in localized foci around implanted pacemaker devices.
- Persistent Brucella melitensis around a pacemaker can lead to relapsing systemic infection (brucellosis).
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for unusual pathogens like Brucella to cause device-related infections.
- Suggests the need to consider Brucella in the differential diagnosis of relapsing infections in patients with pacemakers.
- Underscores the importance of thorough investigation for device involvement in unexplained relapsing infections.