Brucella anthropi Bacterial Endocarditis: An Emerging Pathogen

Background: The genus Brucella has expanded considerably in the 21st century. With the advent of advanced phylogenetic analyses such as whole genome sequencing, a close genetic proximity between Brucella and Ochrobactrum has been revealed, leading to the integration of the Ochrobactrum genus into the Brucella genus. Among the species in the newly expanded Brucella genus, Brucella anthropi (formerly Ochrobactrum anthropi ) has emerged as a rare, albeit increasingly recognized, invasive human pathogen. While this report focuses on infective endocarditis, we also briefly summarize other clinical syndromes associated with this organism. Methods: A systematic review of the English-language medical literature from 1984 to 2025 was conducted. Cases of B. anthropi endocarditis were identified and analyzed for demographics, clinical presentation, antimicrobial susceptibility, and outcomes. Results: Seven reported cases of acute endocarditis due to B. anthropi were identified in the English-language medical literature, in addition to our own. Most patients had predisposing valvular disease or prosthetic material, which held true with the patient case described herein. The overall mortality rate of patients with B. anthropi acute endocarditis approached 25% in the literature. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were variable, underscoring the importance of targeted therapy guided by microbiologic testing. Conclusion: Consistent with other gram negative bacilli, B. anthropi is a rare but proven cause of acute bacterial endocarditis. Despite its rarity, it may represent an emerging, under-recognized cause of invasive disease. This manuscript provides clinicians with guidance on its recognition, susceptibility profile, and management, supporting the translation of evolving taxonomic and molecular insights into successful patient care.