Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Endocarditis in a Patient With Severe Unicuspid Aortic Valve Damage Complicated With Acquired Ventricular Septal Defect

Abstract

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, is an important animal pathogen, but rarely reported in humans. To date, only fa ew cases of infective E rhusiopathiae endocarditis of the aortic valve have been described. We introduce the first reported case of severe damage of the native unicuspid aortic valve complicated with acquired ventricular septal defect caused by E rhusiopathiae endocarditis. This case may provide a better understanding of the disease process and transmission and underscores the need to include this pathogen in the differential diagnosis of infective endocarditis.