Endocarditis due to group A streptococcus.
In a prospective 30-month study 85 cases of endocarditis were observed at Harlem Hospital Center. Seven were due to group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Six of the seven were heroin users in whom solitary tricuspid valve infection occurred. Aortic valve infection occurred in the remaining patient. An incidence of 8% of group A streptococcal endocarditis was observed. An unusual local frequency of 14% of group A endocarditis among heroin addicts was noted.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000209:etiology*; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications