Streptococcus agalactiae left-sided infective endocarditis. Analysis of 27 cases from a multicentric cohort

To evaluate the current trends in the clinical characteristics and the prognosis of Streptococcus agalactiae infective endocarditis (IE), uncommon disease associated with high mortality.

Descriptive analysis of 27 cases of a large cohort (961 episodes) of infective endocarditis collected in seven hospitals of Andalusia (Spain) between 1984 and 2008.

Native valves were affected in most cases (85. 2%), multiple valves were frequently involved (22.2%). The median age of the patients was 65 (51-76) years (59.3% men), with a comorbidity, according to the Charlson index, of 2.6+/-2.3. The most frequent underlying diseases were diabetes mellitus (25.9%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (14.8%), neoplasms (14.8%), urological disorders (11%) and chronic liver disease (11%). Clinical presentation was characterized by rapid worsening (median of 9 (5.7-15) days from onset of symptoms until diagnosis), a high rate of embolisms (37%) and cardiac complications (abscesses, fistulas or valve rupture) - 37% of cases. Surgery was performed in 12 patients (44.4%) and a high mortality (40.7%) was observed.

S. agalactiae IE is a serious disease with aggressive course and high mortality rate and affects patients with debilitating diseases. We must be alert of the development of complications and consider early valve surgery when it is necessary.