ENDOCARDITIS CAUSED BY BRUCELLA-MELITENSIS

Objective: To describe the management of an uncommon but serious infec tion in Australia. Clinical features: A 25-year-old woman developed en docarditis after residence in Turkey and consumption of goat dairy pro ducts. Brucella melitensis was isolated from blood cultures. Intervent ion and outcome: The valve remained infected after prolonged intraveno us administration of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, gentamicin and rif ampicin. Uncontrolled sepsis and worsening haemodynamic function neces sitated valve replacement. To date the patient remains well while taki ng trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and rifampicin. Conclusion: Endocardi tis due to Brucella spp. is uncommon in Australia. This infection is d ifficult to cure with antimicrobial therapy alone and early surgical i ntervention is advisable.