[Infective endocarditis caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathie. Report of one case]

Revista Medica De Chile
|March 2, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, a bacterium, can cause severe aortic valve endocarditis in humans. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, including surgery, are crucial for patient recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a gram-positive bacillus, an opportunistic pathogen in humans.
  • Human infection typically occurs via skin-wounding exposure to infected animals, their products, or contaminated waste.
  • Tannery workers are at increased risk due to occupational exposure.

Observation:

  • A 40-year-old male tannery worker presented with a month-long fever.
  • Echocardiography revealed aortic valve vegetation, perforation, and severe aortic regurgitation.
  • Blood cultures confirmed Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection.

Findings:

  • The patient received penicillin treatment for Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae endocarditis.
  • Aortic valve replacement with a mechanical valve was successfully performed.
  • The patient was discharged after six weeks of hospitalization and treatment.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae to cause severe cardiac complications.
  • Early recognition and aggressive management, including surgical intervention, are vital for favorable outcomes.
  • Occupational health surveillance and preventive measures are important for high-risk professions.

Related Concept Videos

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
834
Endocarditis I: Introduction01:25

Endocarditis I: Introduction

Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
740
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
748
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management01:29

Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
561
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
982
Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

Endocarditis III: Medical Management

Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
329