Case of Invasive <i>Streptococcus Dysgalactiae</i> Infection Presenting as Infective Endocarditis with Multiple Brain Embolisms

Abstract

A 65-year-old Japanese man complaining of general malaise and presenting with high fever was admitted to our hospital. He had untreated diabetes and hepatocellular carcinoma with liver cirrhosis. Overall findings of the patient indicated sepsis. Two blood cultures were positive for Streptococcus dysgalactiae, a group C or G Streptococcus. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography revealed vegetations on the aortic and mitral valves. Although antimicrobial therapy with aminobenzyl penicillin was effective for controlling infection, multiple cerebral embolisms occurred in the clinical course of the disease. Primary care doctors should consider invasive Streptococcus dysgalactiae infections when treating elderly patients with underlying diseases, and Streptococcus dysgalactiae should be included in the list of microorganisms considered to cause endocarditis in such patients.

IgA Vasculitis Triggered by Infective Endocarditis of Pulmonary Artery with Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries

“…Although Streptococcus bovis group is known as a common cause of IE, a case of IE linked to Streptococcus dysgalactiae infection, a rare cause of IE, has also been reported. 10) Other than caries lesions, atopic dermatitis is reported as a portal of bacterial entry into the bloodstream. 11) Streptococcus pseudoporcinus, found in blood cultures in the present case, is a Streptococcus strain isolated from human rectum, upper respiratory, and genital tracts.…”

Pathogenicity and drug resistance of animal streptococci responsible for human infections

“…Cases of endocardial infection are widely described in the literature [131,144,145]. Takahashi et al [146] noted that this infection may be a risk factor for embolic complications. It was also emphasized that the mortality rate of endocarditis caused by these streptococci is equal to about 22 % [146].…”

“…It was also emphasized that the mortality rate of endocarditis caused by these streptococci is equal to about 22 % [146].…”

“…[146] noted that this infection may be a risk factor for embolic complications. It was also emphasized that the mortality rate of endocarditis caused by these streptococci is equal to about 22 % [146]. Infections with SDSE occur mainly in patients of advanced age, with weakened immunity, and severe accompanying diseases such as cancer, diabetes, immunosuppression and cardiovascular diseases [4, 140].…”