[Bacterial endocarditis due to Corynebacterium diphtheriae (author's transl)]

A case of bacterial endocarditis with unusual features in a 5 year-old boy is reported. There was no underlying heart disease or provocating factor. The organism was a non toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae which was difficult to classify. It appeared to be close to the JK group of Corynebacterium described by the Center for Disease Control and considered as possibly responsible for severe infections. However, it was sensitive to penicillin. The course of the disease was complicated by the destruction of coronary valves and by splenic infarctus. Replacement of the aortic valve with a prosthesis was necessary. The boy was finally cured but the outcome remains uncertain.