Bartonella quintana endocarditis in east Africa.

Bartonella quintana endocarditis is characterized by sub-acute evolution and severe valvular damage, and is associated with homelessness, alcoholism, and lice infestation. We present a case of B. quintana endocarditis in an Ethiopian immigrant without known risk factors for disease acquisition. This is the first case of B. quintana endocarditis reported from east Africa.