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Endocarditis caused by Brucella melitensis

R Chan1, R P Hardiman

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW.

The Medical Journal of Australia
|May 3, 1993
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Brucellosis endocarditis is rare in Australia. This serious infection often requires surgical intervention alongside antimicrobial therapy for successful treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella species.
  • Brucellosis endocarditis is a rare but severe manifestation of Brucellosis.

Observation:

  • A 25-year-old woman presented with endocarditis following travel to Turkey and consumption of goat dairy products.
  • Brucella melitensis was identified as the causative agent from blood cultures.

Findings:

  • Prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, gentamicin, rifampicin) failed to resolve the infection.
  • The patient developed uncontrolled sepsis and hemodynamic compromise, necessitating aortic valve replacement.
  • Post-surgery, the patient remains clinically stable on oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and rifampicin.

Implications:

  • Brucellosis endocarditis is an uncommon but serious infection in Australia.
  • Antimicrobial therapy alone is often insufficient for cure.
  • Early surgical intervention is recommended for effective management of Brucellosis endocarditis.

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