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Fulminant infective endocarditis with toxin-negative Corynebacterium diphtheriae in people with substance use
Tara Patel1,2, Tasnim Anwar3,2, Eleni Mavrogiorgou4,2
1UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Between July 2024 and January 2025, five male patients in their early 20s to early 50s were confirmed with infective endocarditis associated with non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae in England. Three were known to have experienced homelessness. All five used non-intravenous recreational drugs. Disease progression was rapid, four patients required surgical intervention, one died. Whole-genome sequencing and multilocus sequence type (MLST) analysis identified four individuals as ST559. Clinicians and substance use services have been alerted and enhanced surveillance implemented. A prevalence study is planned.
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