Valvular endocarditis associated with experimental Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection in the opossum (Didelphis virginiana).

Intravenous inoculation of a wild type isolate of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in opossums resulted in valvular endocarditis in all infected animals. Opossums were inoculated once a week for 3 weeks. Lesions became visible with cardiac ultrasound by week four post-inoculation. Opossums remained clinically normal throughout the experiment, and preinfection body weight was maintained. Other lesions of chronic erysipelas including skin necrosis and arthritis were not found in infected opossums.