Purulent Pericarditis Caused by Group G Streptococcus

To the Editor.— Group G streptococcus may be found as a member of the normal microbial flora of the skin, pharynx, vagina, and gastrointestinal tract.¹,²Endocarditis, endovascular infections, and septic arthritis are the most common syndromes caused by group G streptococcus.³So far, group G streptococcus has not been identified as an etiological agent in purulent pericarditis. We report a case of a man with cardiac tamponade, secondary to purulent pericarditis caused by group G streptococcus. Report of a Case.— A 43-year-old male Native American with a medical history of long-term alcohol abuse was brought to the emergency department after a history of vomiting for 3 days and coffee-ground—color emesis on the day of admission. He also complained of a fever with chills 24 hours prior to admission. In the emergency department his blood pressure was 88/60 mm Hg; pulse rate, 106 beats per minute; and temperature, 37.7°C.