Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae endocarditis diagnosed by broad range 16s rRNA PCR gene sequencing

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (E. rhusiopathiae) is a rare occupational opportunistic Gram-positive bacillus. Infections caused by E. rhusiopathiae are principally a sequel of occupational and recreational exposures to infected animals. Infective endocarditis is a classic, albeit it infrequent, manifestation of invasive infection with this bacterium. We present a case of E. rhusiopathiae mitral valve endocarditis in a farmer with psoriasis presented with acute intractable heart failure requiring valve replacement surgery. E. rhusiopathiae was identified by 16S rRNA-based gene sequencing from culture-negative, surgically excised mitral valve leaflets.