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Tricuspid valve group B streptococcal endocarditis following elective abortion
1Infectious Disease Program, Memorial Hospital System, Houston, Texas.
Reviews of Infectious Diseases
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) can cause endocarditis, typically affecting the left heart valves. This case highlights GBS causing right-sided tricuspid valve endocarditis, successfully treated with surgery and vancomycin.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Streptococcus agalactiae, or group B Streptococcus (GBS), is a known cause of endocarditis, particularly in the postpartum and postabortion periods.
- GBS typically infects normal heart valves, leading to left-sided endocarditis.
Observation:
- A case of a 30-year-old woman with tricuspid valve endocarditis caused by S. agalactiae is presented.
- This represents a rare instance of GBS infection affecting the right side of the heart.
Findings:
- The patient underwent surgical excision of the infected tricuspid valve.
- A 4-week course of vancomycin therapy was administered.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of GBS endocarditis, demonstrating its potential to affect the tricuspid valve.
- Successful treatment with valve excision and vancomycin suggests this therapeutic approach is effective for GBS tricuspid valve endocarditis.