Aortic valve endocarditis with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae: A rare zoonosis

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Human Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• * Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae causes significant economic losses in animal husbandry, affecting swine, sheep, and poultry.
• * The bacterium is commonly found in the slime on fish, though fish are typically asymptomatic carriers.
• * Human infections, often from occupational exposure, can range from skin infections to life-threatening conditions like sepsis and endocarditis.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To report a rare case of aortic valve endocarditis caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.
• * To emphasize the potential severity of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infections in humans.
• * To highlight the zoonotic transmission risk associated with handling fish.

Main Methods:

• * Case report of a 59-year-old male patient.
• * Clinical presentation and diagnostic findings for aortic valve endocarditis.
• * Review of literature on Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infections.

Main Results:

• * The patient developed severe aortic valve endocarditis attributed to Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.
• * The infection was linked to the patient's hobby of recreational fishing.
• * This case underscores the potential for severe systemic illness from Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.

Conclusions:

• * Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae poses a significant zoonotic threat, capable of causing severe infections in humans.
• * Healthcare professionals should consider Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in patients with endocarditis, especially those with occupational or recreational exposure to animals or fish.
• * Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infections to prevent high case-fatality rates.