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Acute meningitis as an initial manifestation of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae endocarditis
Eun-Jeong Joo1, Cheol-In Kang, Wook Sung Kim
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 135-710, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a gram-positive bacillus which is found worldwide. Although bloodstream infections caused by E. rhusiopathiae are not common, there is a strong association between bacteremia and the development of infective endocarditis. The risk of human infection with Erysipelothrix is closely related to the opportunity for exposure to the organisms. We report a case of community-acquired meningitis as an initial manifestation of E. rhusiopathiae endocarditis in a 56-year-old woman, who had no history of exposure to animals.
Insights
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, a rare cause of bloodstream infections, can lead to infective endocarditis. This case highlights community-acquired meningitis as an unusual initial presentation of E. rhusiopathiae endocarditis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a globally distributed gram-positive bacillus.
- While bloodstream infections are infrequent, E. rhusiopathiae bacteremia is strongly linked to infective endocarditis.
- Human infection risk correlates with exposure opportunities.
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