Bordetella hinzii: An Unexpected Pathogen in Native Valve Endocarditis

Abstract

Bordetella hinzii's route of transmission to human hosts and its pathogenicity remain unclear. Only a few cases have established this species as an opportunistic zoonotic disease. We introduce the first reported case of native aortic valve endocarditis presenting with fulminant aortic valve insufficiency that responded to conventional medical and surgical treatment. The patient did not have predisposing factors to this unusual infection. This case may provide a better understanding of the disease process, transmission, and pathogenicity of Bordetella hinzii.