ENDOCARDITIS DUE TO CORYNEBACTERIUM-DIPHT HERIA - 2 OBSERVATIONS AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Two observations of endocarditis due to Corynebacterium diphtheriae ar e reported here. One of the strains was toxigenic. Between 1893 and 19 94, 52 observations were described, 12 out of the 52 strains were toxi genic. Patients were young and often suffered from congenital heart di sease. Complications often occured; cardiac surgery was needed in 25 % of the cases. More and more systemic infections due to C. diphthepiae are reported nowadays. These infections are associated to a low socio -economic status. The recent occurence of diphtheria cases emphazises the relevance of a good vaccination program.