Endocarditis caused by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.

The first two cases of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans endocarditis in Israel are reported. One involved a 67 year old woman with mitral insufficiency and the other, a 48 year old alcoholic male with bioprosthetic mitral valve. The organism grew in three of seven and seven of fourteen blood culture specimens, taken during the first two or three days of hospitalization respectively. Blood cultures became positive after incubation for seven days. The first patient recovered after therapy with penicillin and an aminoglycoside, and the second one is still being treated. Previously described cases of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans endocarditis are reviewed.