Triple Threat: A Case of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Septicemia Complicated by Multi-Valvular Endocarditis, Spinal Osteomyelitis, and Septic Embolic Stroke

Abstract

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a Gram-positive rod associated with zoonotic infections, most commonly the soft tissues. It can be present in several ways, though most commonly as erysipeloid. Rarely, it may manifest systemically with septic organ involvement such as endocarditis or osteomyelitis. Here, we present the case of a 71-year-old male who presented to the hospital with back pain and neurological deficits. He was found to be bacteremic with E. rhusiopathiae, and imaging demonstrated the presence of multi-valvular endocarditis, spinal osteomyelitis with epidural abscess, and septic embolic stroke. Though such complications of E. rhusiopathiae septicemia have been documented in the literature, this is the first reported case of all three manifestations in one patient.