Group C streptococcal endocarditis: case report and review of the literature.

Human infections due to group C streptococci are rare. We describe here a patient with endocarditis caused by this organism. A review of 16 other cases of group C streptococcal endocarditis reported in the literature suggests that this organism has a high potential for attachment to and destruction of normal heart valves. Major emboli to vital organs are frequently observed and the mortality has been high. Synergistic combinations of penicillin and an aminoglycoside appear to result in lower morbidity as compared to penicillin used alone. Early valve replacement may reduce the mortality in this extremely serious infection.