Endocarditits

2 Pages 576 Words

Endocarditits was the predominant bacteria found in both case studies. While both were gram negative, each stemmed from a different Genus. In article A, we studied a case of Haemophilus aphrophilus endocarditis, found in a patient with his tongue pierced. Colonization of the bacteria was found around the stud (jewelry used for piercing). In article B, the Q fever endocarditis stemmed from Coxiella burnetii. This microorganism is found usually with livestock, such as birds, mammals, and arthropods. This organism is extremely dangerous due to its spore like form. Even more so, the spores are able to survive in many environments. The microorganism is highly contagious and can be inhaled through infectious dust.
In both case A and B, the two patients entered medical centers due to chest pains. In case A, the H. aphrophilus endocarditis was caused by microbial growth around the piercing of the tongue, primarily because aseptic techniques were not performed. H. aphrophilus commonly isolates the upper respitory tracts, this would explain the chest pains. The patient also had history of suffering from congenital heart disease. In case B, the man had previously been diagnosed with HIV. When the patient entered the emergency room due to chest pains, he had recalled contact with farm animals. Auto antibodies developed in the patient. More severe signs are noticeable with Q fever patients who are infected with HIV, possibly due to the intracellular pathogen C. burnetii. Q fever is considered a severe infection with a moderate fatality rate.
While in case A, the bacterial growth originally came from his oral cavity, there was no significant inflamation with in the cavity. He did however, have a fever of 38.9 degrees Celsius (102.02 Fahrenheit) accompanied by chills and shivering. He experienced shortness of breath with a systolic and diastolic heart murmur. In case B, the patient had a minimal fever, which is often common in ...