Chlamydia psittaci endocarditis: A case report and literature review

Objectives: Blood-culture-negative infective endocarditis (BCNE) is found in 2 to 48% of cases of infective endocarditis (IE) (Houpikian and Raoult, 2005) [1]. IE and vertebral osteomyelitis due to Chlamydia sp. are difficult to diagnose. Patients and methods: A case report of Chlamydia psittaci IE is provided, associated with a literature review. Results: We report the first case of Chlamydia psittaci IE, revealed by a spondylodiscitis. Questioning of the patient, imaging, serologies and PCR techniques on valves confirmed the diagnosis. Conclusion: C. psittaci IE is rare but probably underdiagnosed. In case of negative blood cultures, questioning patients with IE about their contacts with animals is relevant. PCR techniques are reference tools for diagnosis confirmation when valve or vertebral samples are available.