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Infection of a pacemaker by Brucella melitensis
A de la Fuente1, J R Sanchez, J Uriz
1Cardiac Surgery Service, Hospital de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
Abstract:
We report a case that, to the best of our knowledge, is the only published instance of infection of a pacemaker and its leads by Brucella melitensis. Furthermore, this case suggests that B. melitensis may be able to persist around pacemaker devices despite its having been eliminated from the rest of the body. The patient was a sheep shearer who had just undergone a 45-day course of antibiotic therapy for brucella and had been considered cured on the basis of negative blood cultures.
Insights
This case study highlights Brucella melitensis infection of a pacemaker, a rare occurrence. It suggests Brucella bacteria may persist around cardiac devices even after body-wide eradication.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Brucella melitensis is a zoonotic pathogen causing brucellosis.
- Pacemaker infections are serious complications requiring prompt management.
- Previous literature lacks documented cases of pacemaker lead infection by Brucella melitensis.