[Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae endocarditis]

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a thin, non-sporulating, gram-positive rod found worldwide and hosted by many domestic or savage animals, birds, fish, and shell/fish. It is extremely resistant in the external environment (soil, surface waters). Human infection is prevalently related to occupational exposure to sick or infected contaminated animals (anthropozoonosis). Frequently, the disease manifests itself as an acute cellulitis on the skin around the gate of entry. Systemic infection is uncommon, most commonly involving the endocardium or joints. We present a case of subacute E. rhusiopathiae endocarditis in a male patient at occupational hazard for this infection (animal genitor in a zoo). The patient was treated with cefoperazone, the course being favorable. Later on, he required mitral valvuloplasty.