Streptococcus Pyogenes Infective Endocarditis: Case Report and Literature Review

Infective endocarditis (IE) is defined as an infection caused by microorganisms (bacteria or fungi) involving either the heart structures or the great vessels. The progression of IE can become complex due to heart dysfunction and bacterial particles spreading to almost any part of the body through embolization. Staphylococcus aureus and Viridians group streptococci are the predominant causative pathogens. Cases of IE caused by group A β-haemolytic streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) are infrequently reported. Here, we present a case of native mitral valve endocarditis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes in a patient who is an intravenous drug user (IVDU), accompanied by a literature review. The patient had a native mitral valve endocarditis, complicated by brain, lung, spleen, and kidney septic emboli with septic arthritis and abscesses collections, improving after receiving a combination therapy (high dose penicillin with gentamicin). Unfortunately, the patient passed away after two weeks of antibiotic therapy due to a drug overdose.