[Endocarditis caused cy Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. Study of 2 cases and review of the literature].

Endocarditis produced by E. rhusiopathiae is a uncommon disease. Most of the infected persons (90%) work in environments with frequent exposure to E. rhusiopathiae (butchers, fisherman). Although the clinical picture of endocarditis produced by E. rhusiopathiae is indistinguishable from other forms of subacute endocarditis, this infection has a mortality rate of 40% and a high morbidity. Microbiological diagnosis should consider the possibility of making a mistake considering that isolation of a gram-positive bacillus may represent contamination by an agent without clinical relevance. Treatment with penicillin G during 4 weeks is commonly sufficient to cure the disease.