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Mycotic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Caused by Streptococcus equi.
Danielle Schwartz1, Donald McCarville2, Alexander Wong3
1Department of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, CAN.
Cureus
|April 21, 2021
Summary
Streptococcus equi, a bacterium typically found in horses, can cause severe human infections. This case highlights its potential to infect abdominal aortic aneurysms, requiring surgical repair and long-term antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Microbiology
Background:
- Streptococcus equi is a common equine pathogen with rare human infections.
- Human Streptococcus equi infections can lead to severe conditions like meningitis, septic arthritis, and endocarditis.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old male presented with prolonged constitutional symptoms, back pain, and abdominal pain.
- Imaging revealed a large abdominal aortic aneurysm with a contained retroperitoneal rupture.
Findings:
- Blood and aneurysm cultures were positive for Streptococcus equi.
- The patient underwent successful open repair with a Dacron graft placement.
Implications:
- This case underscores Streptococcus equi as a potential pathogen in abdominal aortic aneurysms.
- Successful treatment involved surgical intervention and intravenous antibiotics, with a plan for lifelong antibiotic prophylaxis.
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