Man Develops Life-Threatening Infection from Eating Feral Pig Meat

Man Develops Life-Threatening Infection After Eating Feral Pig: A Case of Brucella Suis and Its Rare Complications

In a bizarre and rare medical case, a Florida man in his 70s developed a life-threatening infection that ultimately affected his implanted defibrillator. The infection was traced back to an exposure to Brucella suis, a bacterium commonly found in wild animals like feral pigs. This infection, though rare, serves as a reminder of the dangers of consuming unprocessed or wild meat, particularly in areas where the bacteria are endemic.

The Feral Pig and Brucella Suis: A Hidden Danger

In 2017, the man, who had a medical history that included heart failure and type 2 diabetes, was offered a wild pig by a local hunter. The man, unaware of the risks, handled the raw meat with his bare hands before preparing and consuming it. Little did he know, this simple act of handling the meat would expose him to a potentially deadly bacterium, Brucella suis.

Brucella suis, part of the Brucella genus, is a common bacterial pathogen found in wild pigs and certain other animals like cattle, goats, and sheep. This bacterium is the cause of brucellosis, a disease primarily transmitted from animals to humans. Though commonly associated with livestock, wild animals, especially feral pigs, are a major reservoir for B. suis, and individuals who consume undercooked meat or handle raw meat from infected animals are at risk of exposure.

The Bacteria’s Sneaky Path to the Defibrillator

Brucellosis is known for its ability to evade detection. B. suis can hide within immune cells, sometimes causing mild, intermittent symptoms like fever, fatigue, and general malaise. These symptoms often come and go, making it difficult to diagnose the infection early on. In the case of the Florida man, his infection went undetected for several years, allowing the bacteria to invade his body and ultimately take hold of his medical device.

Doctors suspect that the exposure to Brucella suis occurred when the man handled the raw pig meat. Over time, the bacteria infiltrated his body, eventually passing through the chest wall, the left subclavian vein, and reaching the defibrillator implanted in his left ventricle. The infection was insidious, progressing silently while presenting only mild symptoms, such as fever and chest discomfort. The man began experiencing pain and discomfort on the left side of his chest in 2019, two years after the initial exposure. This was accompanied by intermittent fever, fluid retention, and thickening of the skin.

Misdiagnosis and Complications

The man’s initial hospital visits were filled with confusion as doctors struggled to pinpoint the cause of his symptoms. Blood cultures identified a different bacterium, and an ultrasound showed that his defibrillator had shifted to an abnormal position. Despite multiple rounds of antibiotics, the infection persisted, and his condition worsened.

In 2020, a year after the symptoms first began, the man was admitted to a Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida. Here, doctors performed further tests, but again, no obvious signs of bacteria were found on the defibrillator. However, they decided to remove the device as a precautionary measure. This decision proved to be crucial. Upon laboratory analysis, it was revealed that the defibrillator was, in fact, infected with Brucella suis—a conclusion that had been missed earlier due to the misidentification of the bacteria.

This case is a stark reminder of how Brucella can remain dormant within the body and present a diagnostic challenge. The bacteria’s ability to remain hidden inside immune cells makes it particularly difficult to identify in the early stages. Additionally, it thrives in medical devices like defibrillators, where blood flow is limited, making it harder for antibiotics to reach the infected site.

The Treatment: A Long Road to Recovery

Once the infection was confirmed, the medical team began an aggressive course of antibiotics. The patient was treated with a combination of antibiotics for six weeks, successfully clearing the infection. However, the damage to his defibrillator was too significant to repair, and it was replaced with a new one. By 2021, the man’s condition had stabilized, and subsequent tests showed no signs of brucellosis in his blood.

While this case was an isolated and rare occurrence, it highlights the severe consequences of a brucella infection, especially when it infects medical devices. Infections like this are difficult to treat, often requiring the complete removal and replacement of the device. This is because antibiotics cannot effectively reach the bacteria residing in the device due to its limited blood supply.

The Bigger Picture: Feral Pigs and Brucellosis in the United States

The United States has a significant feral pig population, especially in southern states like Florida. With more than a million feral pigs inhabiting the state, Brucella suis infections are a potential risk for anyone handling or consuming wild pig meat. Unlike livestock, which are often vaccinated against brucellosis, wild pigs are a primary source of the bacteria. Infected individuals might not experience symptoms for months or even years, complicating diagnosis and treatment.

This case serves as a cautionary tale for anyone handling wild game, particularly those who consume feral meat. The risks of brucellosis, especially when handling the meat raw, should not be underestimated. Safe handling practices, proper cooking, and awareness of local wildlife health risks are essential in preventing infections.

Conclusion: A Rare but Serious Infection

The Florida man’s case is incredibly rare, but it highlights the importance of vigilance when it comes to food safety, particularly when consuming wild animals. Brucellosis is a life-threatening disease that can cause serious complications, including infections of medical implants. Although the infection rate for medical device-related Brucella infections is extremely low, this case shows that such infections should not be ruled out in patients with unusual symptoms, especially if they have a history of exposure to wild animals.

Healthcare providers should consider Brucella suis as a potential cause in cases of unexplained infections, particularly in individuals who have handled or consumed feral pigs. Early detection and appropriate treatment are critical to prevent long-term complications and improve patient outcomes.