Case of Invasive Streptococcus Dysgalactiae Infection Presenting as Infective Endocarditis with Multiple Brain...

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology
• Hepatology

Background:

• Sepsis is a life-threatening condition often caused by bacterial infections.
• Streptococcus dysgalactiae, a group C or G Streptococcus, is an emerging cause of invasive infections.
• Elderly patients with comorbidities like diabetes and liver disease are at higher risk for severe infections.

Observation:

• A 65-year-old Japanese man with untreated diabetes and hepatocellular carcinoma presented with sepsis.
• Blood cultures identified Streptococcus dysgalactiae.
• Echocardiography revealed vegetations on the aortic and mitral valves, indicating endocarditis.

Findings:

• Antimicrobial therapy with aminobenzyl penicillin controlled the infection.
• The patient experienced multiple cerebral embolisms despite treatment.
• This case highlights the potential for Streptococcus dysgalactiae to cause severe invasive infections.

Implications:

• Primary care physicians should consider invasive Streptococcus dysgalactiae infections in elderly patients with underlying conditions.
• Streptococcus dysgalactiae should be included in the differential diagnosis for endocarditis in at-risk populations.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications such as stroke.