Enterococcal endocarditis among intravenous drug users: Report of a cluster of cases, possibly caused by contaminated amphetamine

Abstract

Intravenous drug use imposes a high risk of acquiring bacterial infections. In this report we present 3 cases of enterococcal endocarditis in intravenous drug users, diagnosed over a period of 3 months. Genotyping revealed that 2 of the cases were caused by closely related isolates, suggesting possible spread by contaminated drugs.

Keywords::

• Endocarditis
• intravenous drug abuse
• Enterococcus faecalis

Declaration of interest: There are no conflicts of interest.