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Infective Endocarditis Caused by Rhodococcus equi in an Immunocompetent Patient
Rony Shah1, Linda C Klumpp1, Nishant Nerella2
1Internal Medicine, Citrus Memorial Hospital, Inverness, USA.
Cureus
|May 30, 2020
Summary
This case report details a rare instance of Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) causing infectious endocarditis in an immunocompetent patient. This zoonotic bacterium typically affects the lungs but can manifest in other ways, posing diagnostic challenges.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) is a zoonotic bacterium found in animal feces and soil.
- It commonly causes pulmonary infections but can lead to extrapulmonary disease.
- While immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk, R. equi infections can occur in those with competent immune systems.
Observation:
- A 77-year-old immunocompetent male with significant cardiovascular disease presented for aortic valve replacement.
- Intraoperative findings revealed exudative material on the aortic valve, yielding R. equi and Enterococcus faecium upon culture.
Findings:
- This report details a rare instance of infectious endocarditis caused by R. equi in an immunocompetent patient.
- R. equi endocarditis presents uniquely, posing diagnostic challenges compared to typical infective endocarditis.
Implications:
- Diagnosing R. equi endocarditis requires thorough patient history and physical examination.
- Effective treatment necessitates prolonged oral and intravenous antibiotic therapy.
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