Aortic Valve Endocarditis with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae: A Rare Zoonosis

Abstract

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae has an economic impact in animal husbandry by causing infection in swine, sheep and poultry. E. rhusiopathiae is present in the surface mucoid slime on fish, although fishes do not seem to be affected. Humans can get infected, maost often through occupational exposure and may suffer typical erysipeloid infection on exposed skin such as on hands and fingers, or deeper skin infections, and sometimes sepsis and endocarditis, associated with high case-fatality rate. We describe a case of aortic valve endocarditis caused by E. rhusiopathiae in a 59-year-old man who enjoyed fishing in his spare time.

Zoonotic diseases of fish and their prevention and control

“…It should be noted that E. rhusiopathiae does not cause any disease in fish. Still, due to its long-term survival on the fish outer mucus, it can transmit to humans and cause erysipeloid disease (Nielsen et al 2018 ). Therefore, human infections caused by Erysipelothrix are related to contact with infected animals and their products or waste (Ahmadi Balootaki et al 2017 ).…”

“…Fishers and veterinarians are among people at high risk to Erysipelothrix infections. In 2017, the first human endocarditis disease was reported due to this bacterium, which was associated with work off the coast of Norway (Nielsen et al 2018 ).…”

An Unusual Case of Aortic and Mitral Valve Involved Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae-Induced Endocarditis: Rare Zoonosis with Devastating Outcome

“…In previously reported cases and papers, E. rhusiopathiae induced endocarditis had an affinity for the AoV. 2) 3) Other valves than the aortic valve have been found to be involved in rare cases. 4) 5) …”

“…In those cases, only 5 patients were confirmed surgically with invasion of the AoV. 1) 2) 3) We describe a rare case of E. rhusiopathiae -induced endocarditis via echocardiography and surgery, involving both the AoV and MV. In previously reported cases and papers, E. rhusiopathiae induced endocarditis had an affinity for the AoV.…”

“… 1) In humans, infection is categorized into three types: localized cutaneous infection (erysipeloid), severe generalized cutaneous infection, and septicemia. 1) 2) 3) …”