[Bacteremia and recurrent arthritis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes in a heroin addict with AIDS]

Abstract

Background: Streptococcus pyogenes is a bacteria which, at present, is seldom isolated in blood and articular fluid. An intravenous drug addict with human immunodeficiency virus infection, with bacteremia and arthritis by S. pyogenes, associated with tuberculosis is presented.

Methods: Blood and articular fluid cultures were collected in the usual and Löwenstein-Jensen media.

Results: The patient improved with penicillin and tuberculostatic drugs. Nine months after this episode, the patient reinitiated intravenous drug addiction, and developed another presentation of bacteremia and arthritis by S. pyogenes.

Conclusions: Heroin addict patients constitute a risk group for bacteremias ans severe infections by S. pyogenes.