Herellea (Bacterium Anitratum) Endocarditis

ALTHOUGH a variety of microorganisms have been incriminated 1 as the cause of endocarditis, so far as the authors are able to ascertain, only two other cases of bacterial endocarditis due to Herellea have been reported. 2,3 Another case is herein reported. Report of a Case The patient was a 52-year-old white man who was admitted to the hospital at the Veterans Administration Center, Wood, Wis, on July 4, 1962, with the chief complaint of swelling of the legs. About one month prior to admission he noted rapid onset of ankle swelling, aching pain in the legs, marked dyspnea on exertion and occasionally at rest, weakness, anorexia, weight loss, mild nocturia, and malaise. A history of rheumatic fever was absent. Physical examination on admission showed a well-developed, alert, fairly well-nourished, middle-aged male who appeared to be acutely and chronically ill. Blood pressure was 140/36 mm Hg, pulse was 100 beats/minute