Triad of infective endocarditis, splenic abscess, and septicemia caused by Brucella melitensis

Abstract

A 40-year-old farmer from the district of North Karnataka who had received treatment for high fever of 8 days duration was admitted with fever, dyspnea, and poor general condition. Ultrasonography and echocardiogram revealed multiple splenic abscesses, vegetation on atrioventricular valve, aortic regurgitation (Grade I–II), and mitral valve regurgitation (Grade II–III), respectively. Brucella melitensis was detected in blood culture, and high titers of IgM and IgG anti-Brucella antibodies were observed in Brucella specific serological tests. The patient developed fulminant septicemia and succumbed due to multi-organ failure.

Keywords

• brucella
• endocarditis
• septicemia
• splenic abscess