Mitro-aortic infective endocarditis produced by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae: case report and review of the literature.

Endocarditis produced by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is an uncommon disease in humans. This bacterial species is found worldwide as a commensal or a pathogen in many animals. Infection in humans is usually due to occupational exposure. The case is reported of a 43-year-old male parrot breeder with native aortic and mitral valve endocarditis and NYHA class II heart failure at six months after wound infection. The patient was discharged after six weeks' treatment with intravenous penicillin G and replacement of the mitral and aortic valves due to severe regurgitation. At one year after surgery the patient was asymptomatic and infection-free.