Bacterial Pericarditis Caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus After Mutton Consumption

Abstract

Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus causes systemic diseases including bacteremia and meningitis. However, it rarely causes bacterial pericarditis. We present a rare case of bacterial pericarditis caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus.A man in his 60s presented with a fever and dyspnea. Electrocardiography revealed ST segment elevation in all leads except augmented vector right (aVR), and contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the chest revealed a large pericardial effusion. Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus, appearing as curved, gull-wing-shaped gram-negative rods on microscopy, was identified on blood culture. The patient was diagnosed with acute pericarditis caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus. Further, history-taking revealed that he had consumed undercooked mutton before the onset of his illness. He recovered after treatment with antibiotics (ceftriaxone, ampicillin, and amoxicillin) for four weeks. With a blood culture revealing gull-wing shaped gram-negative rods, and the patient's history including potential contact with animals or the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus infection should be suspected.

Pericarditis Due to Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus: A Case Report of an Uncommon Infection

“…We report a case of pericarditis due to Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus, a rare infection with a dozen cases previously described in the literature [3].…”