[First report of infective endocarditis in Cuba as a result of brucellosis].

INTRODUCTION

the clinical manifestations of brucellosis have been poorly researched on and the symptoms and possible complications have not been deeply studied either.

OBJECTIVE

to report a case of infective endocarditis caused by brucellosis for the first time in Cuba.

METHODS

a Caucasian male farmer aged 57 years was referred from Vertientes municipality to be admitted at "Manuel Ascunce Domenech" provincial hospital in Camaguey province in December, 2009. He had been presumptively diagnosed with infectious endocarditis caused by Brucella and with moderate aortic failure since he presented with fever, general malaise, fatigue, muscle and joint pains, arthritis, marked asthenia, anorexia, neurological signs, sweating and strong chest pain. In his previous hospitalization, he had been treated with antimicrobials after indication of supplementary tests such as slow serology for brucellosis; however, specific reagents were not available,so these tests were not performed until January 2010.The epidemiological history of this case included his direct contact with cows and pigs as well as wounds and minor traumas inflicted on his hands and feet resulting from his type of work. His farm is next to another farm where the cattle is also affected with brucellosis.

RESULTS

the lab tests were positive with high serological titres, and although it was not possible to isolate the etiologic agent through culturing, the disease and the infective endocarditis were serologically confirmed as additional complication; this required antimicrobial treatment and drugs for the heart disease. These complications from brucellosis are barely diagnosed in the international literature, and in Cuba, this is the first report of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

the description of this case is an alert to diagnosis of infective endocarditis that may be associated with epidemiological history of brucellosis.