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Endocarditis Caused by Brucella Melitensis
Author(s) -
Chan Raymond,
Hardiman Robyn P
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1993.tb137636.x
Subject(s) - brucella melitensis , medicine , brucella , rifampicin , endocarditis , brucellosis , sepsis , gentamicin , antimicrobial , sulfamethoxazole , surgery , antibiotics , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , tuberculosis , biology , pathology
Objective To describe the management of an uncommon but serious infection in Australia. Clinical features A 25‐year‐old woman developed endocarditis. after residence in Turkey and consumption of goat dairy products. Brucella melitensis was isolated from blood cultures. Intervention and outcome The valve remained infected after prolonged intravenous administration of trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, gentamicin and rifampicin. Uncontrolled sepsis and worsening haemodynamic function necessitated valve replacement. To date the patient remains well while taking trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole and rifampicin. Conclusion Endocarditis due to Brucella spp. is uncommon in Australia. This infection is difficult to cure with antimicrobial therapy alone and early surgical intervention is advisable.