Non-intravenous Users Research Articles

Suicidal behaviour and intravenous drug use in chemsex context

IntroductionSeveral studies have called atention to the mental health disorders associated with chemsex --the intentional use of drugs before or during sexual intercourse GBMSM (gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men) population-. Sexualized intravenous drug use is also known as slam or slamsex. There are few studies that analyze the mental health differences between intravenous drug users compared to non-intravenous drug users in chemsex context.ObjectivesTo describe the suicidal behaviour in a sample of users with sexualized drug use (chemsex) attended by the non-governmental organization Apoyo Positivo in the program “Sex, Drugs and You” and to compare the suicidal behaviour between intravenous drug users compared to non-intravenous drug users.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive analysis of a sample of users attended by the non-governmental organization Apoyo Positivo in the program “Sex, Drugs and You” between 2016-2019 was performed.ResultsWe included 217 participants. 37 had attempted suicide at least once. The percentage of chemsex users who have attempted suicide were significantly higher in the intravenous drug use group compared to the non-intravenous drug use group (p<0.05).ConclusionsPossible risk factors for suicidal behaviour among chemsex users include slamsex. Other possible risk factors previously described in other studies include adversities experienced due to one’s sexual orientation and an increased risk for HIV and other STI infections. Further studies analyzing the relationship between chemsex, slamsex and suicidal behaviour are needed.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Depressive disorders and intravenous drug use in chemsex context

IntroductionSeveral studies have called atention to the mental health disorders associated with chemsex -the intentional use of drugs before or during sexual intercourse GBMSM (gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men) population-. Sexualized intravenous drug use is also known as slam or slamsex. There are few studies that analyze the mental health differences between intravenous drug users compared to non-intravenous drug users in chemsex context.ObjectivesWe aim to describe the mental health outcomes including current and past depressive disorders diagnosis in a sample of users with sexualized drug use (chemsex) attended by the non-governmental organization Apoyo Positivo in the program “Sex, Drugs and You” and to compare the differences of current and previous diagnosis of depressive disorders between intravenous drug users compared to non-intravenous drug users.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive analysis of a sample of users attended by the non-govenrmental organization Apoyo Positivo in the program “Sex, Drugs and You” between 2016-2019 was performed.ResultsWe included 217 participants. Current or past diagnosis of depression was found in 137 participants. Depressive disorders were significantly higher in the intravenous drug use group compared to the non-intravenous drug use group (p<0.05).ConclusionsOur study reports high levels of depression in chemsex users. The participants in our sample who engaged in intravenous drug use presented a higher frequency of depressive disorders than non intravenous drug use participants. Further studies analyzing the relationship between chemsex, slamsex and depresssion are needed. A multidisciplinary team is necessary to address chemsex and provide care and mental health treatment to chemsex users.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Drug-induced psychosis and intravenous drug use in chemsex context

Introduction Several studies have called atention to the mental health disorders associated with chemsex -the intentional use of drugs before or during sexual intercourse GBMSM (gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men) population-. Sexualized intravenous drug use is also known as slam or slamsex. There are few studies that analyze the mental health differences between intravenous drug users compared to non-intravenous drug users in chemsex context.ObjectivesWe aim to analyze the relationship between the practice of slamsex and the development of drug-induced psychosis.Methods A cross-sectional descriptive analysis of a sample of users attended by the non-governmental organization Apoyo Positivo in the program “Sex, Drugs and You” between 2016-2019 was performed.ResultsWe included 217 participants. Drug-induced psychosis was found in 80 participants. Drug-induced psychosis was significantly higher in the intravenous drug use group compared to the non-intravenous drug use group (p<0.05).ConclusionsPrevious studies have reported that MSM who practiced chemsex were more likely to experience from different mental health disorders, being psychosis one of the most frequent psychiatric diagnoses. In our study, drug-induced psychosis was higher in participants who engaged in intravenous drug use. Further studies analyzing the relationship between slamsex and drug-induced psychosis are needed.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Anxiety disorders and intravenous drug use in chemsex context

IntroductionSeveral studies have called atention to the mental health disorders associated with chemsex -the intentional use of drugs before or during sexual intercourse GBMSM (gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men) population-. Sexualized intravenous drug use is also known as slam or slamsex. There are few studies that analyze the mental health differences between intravenous drug users compared to non-intravenous drug users in chemsex context.ObjectivesWe aim to describe the mental health outcomes including current and past anxiety disorders diagnosis in a sample of users with sexualized drug use (chemsex) attended by the non-governmental organization Apoyo Positivo in the program “Sex, Drugs and You” and to compare the differences of current and previous diagnosis of anxiety disorders between intravenous drug users compared to non-intravenous drug users.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive analysis of a sample of users attended by the non-governmental organization Apoyo Positivo in the program “Sex, Drugs and You” between 2016-2019 was performed.ResultsWe included 217 participants. Current or past diagnosis of anxiety disorders was found in 142 participants. Anxiety disorders were significantly higher in the intravenous drug use group compared to the non-intravenous drug use group (p<0.05).ConclusionsPrevious studies have reported that MSM who practiced chemsex were more likely to experience from anxiety. In our study, anxiety disorders where higher in participantes who engaged in intravenous drug use. A multidisciplinary team is necessary to address chemsex and provide care and treatment for mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, suicidal behaviour or drug-induced psychosis.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Features of infective endocarditis in a contemporary cohort of persons who inject drugs: a matched comparison analysis of long-term prognostic factors.

The objective of the study was to assess the short- and long-term mortality of infective endocarditis (IE) among people who inject drugs (PWID). Using prospectively collected data on hospitalized patients (years 2000 through 2021) with IE, PWID were identified and included in this study. Survival analysis was performed to analyze short- and long-term mortality and study their risk factors among PWID and a matched group of non-intravenous drug users (N-IDU). In a study of 485 patients admitted for IE, 55 (11%) of them were PWID. These PWID patients were 1:1 age- and sex- matched to an N-IDU group (N = 55 per group). Both groups had similar baseline comorbid conditions, including congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, and neoplastic diseases. However, PWID were more likely to have HCV co-infection (62% vs 16%, respectively, p < 0.001) and advanced liver disease/cirrhosis (52% vs 7.9%, respectively, p < 0.001). IE in PWID more often affected the tricuspid valve (42% vs 22%, respectively, p = 0.024) and presented with more embolic events (66% vs 35%, respectively, p < 0.01). S. aureus was the primary cause of IE in PWID (44% vs 21%, respectively, p = 0.01). After adjusting for other variables, PWID (HR = 2.99, 95% CI [1.06, 8.43], p = 0.038) and valve bioprosthetic replacement (HR = 5.37, 95% CI [1.3, 22.1], p = 0.02) were independently associated with increased mortality risk, whereas IE caused by tricuspid valve infection was associated with reduced mortality risk (HR = 0.25, 95% CI [0.06, 0.97], p = 0.046). In this cohort, PWID had increased risk of long-term mortality after hospital discharge for IE, when compared to matched N-IDU with similar baseline characteristics. The reasons behind the significant increase in mortality warrant further investigation.

Infective endocarditis of tricuspid valve following septic abortion: a case report

Introduction: Right-sided infective endocarditis (IE) in non-intravenous drug users is a rare finding. IE of the tricuspid valve is considered an important but uncommon complication in patients with a recent history of obstetric and gynecological procedures. Case presentation: We report a case of a 28-year-old female with IE of the tricuspid valve with a prior history of dilatation and curettage. The echocardiography revealed two mobile vegetation in the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve with severe eccentric tricuspid regurgitation. Blood culture was positive for Staphylococcus aureus. The patient was started on intravenous (i.v.) antibiotics with supportive treatments and improved over the days. Clinical discussion: Infection can get access to the venous system via pelvic veins after the septic obstetric and gynecological procedure and subsequently to the right side of the heart. Different studies have highlighted the role of prophylactic antibiotics in significantly reducing post-abortal infections. In our patient, the disease was diagnosed on the basis of clinical, echocardiographic, and blood culture findings, and the patient responded well to i.v. antibiotics and supportive care under close monitoring in the coronary care unit. Conclusion: It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of the risk factors and symptoms associated with right-sided IE for early diagnosis and treatment. Appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis and adherence to sterile techniques can help to prevent IE.

Similar But Different: Integrated Phylogenetic Analysis of Austrian and Swiss HIV-1 Sequences Reveal Differences in Transmission Patterns of the Local HIV-1 Epidemics.

Phylogenetic analyses of 2 or more countries allow to detect differences in transmission dynamics of local HIV-1 epidemics beyond differences in demographic characteristics. A maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree was built using pol -sequences of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) and the Austrian HIV Cohort Study (AHIVCOS), with international background sequences. Three types of phylogenetic cherries (clusters of size 2) were analyzed further: (1) domestic cherries; (2) international cherries; and (3) SHCS/AHIVCOS-cherries. Transmission group and ethnicities observed within the cherries were compared with the respective distribution expected from a random distribution of patients on the phylogeny. The demographic characteristics of the AHIVCOS (included patients: 3'141) and the SHCS (included patients: 12'902) are very similar. In the AHIVCOS, 36.5% of the patients were in domestic cherries, 8.3% in international cherries, and 7.0% in SHCS/AHIVCOS cherries. Similarly, in the SHCS, 43.0% of the patients were in domestic cherries, 8.2% in international cherries, and 1.7% in SHCS/AHIVCOS cherries. Although international cherries in the SHCS were dominated by heterosexuals with men who have sex with men being underrepresented, the opposite was the case for the AHIVCOS. In both cohorts, cherries with one patient belonging to the transmission group intravenous drug user and the other one non-intravenous drug user were underrepresented. In both cohorts, international HIV transmission plays a major role in the local epidemics, mostly driven by men who have sex with men in the AHIVOS, and by heterosexuals in the SHCS, highlighting the importance of international collaborations to understand global HIV transmission links on the way to eliminate HIV.

Are We Hitting the Target? HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis from 2012 to 2020 in the OPERA Cohort.

Preventing HIV transmission is a crucial step in ending the HIV epidemic. Safe and effective pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been available in the United States since 2012. We set out to determine if persons at greatest risk for HIV acquisition were receiving HIV PrEP. HIV-negative individuals from the Observational Pharmaco-Epidemiology Research & Analysis (OPERA) cohort who were prescribed daily PrEP were contrasted with newly diagnosed HIV persons without PrEP use between July 16, 2012 and October 31, 2020 to determine if the PrEP prescriptions reached the populations who were seroconverting. Poisson regression was used to estimate incidence rates of seroconversion to HIV among PrEP initiators, as well as new diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections among both the PrEP group and the newly HIV+ group. Out of the 14,598 PrEP users and 3558 persons newly diagnosed with HIV in OPERA, demographics varied widely. Older individuals, those of non-Black race, men, nonintravenous (IV) drug users, and those with commercial insurance were proportionally overrepresented among those prescribed PrEP compared to persons newly diagnosed with HIV during the same time period. Over 82% of new HIV+ individuals received care in the southern United States compared to only 45% of PrEP users. Seroconversion to HIV among PrEP users was generally uncommon, although more frequent among those who identified as Black individuals, especially in the 13-25 years old age range. In conclusion, providers need innovative programs to better identify, educate, and link those at greatest risk of HIV acquisition, especially young people, women, Black individuals, and IV drug users, to PrEP.

A RARE CASE OF INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS FOLLOWING CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY WITH AN UNUSUAL PRESENTATION OF ENDOPHTHALMITIS

Objective: There is a rise in the global incidence of infective endocarditis due to gram-negative bacilli like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and involving structures of the left side of the heart such as valve apparatus and papillary muscles. It is due to the increasing usage of implantable cardiac devices and prosthetic valves. Occurrence of infective endocarditis following minor cardiac procedures like coronary angiography or angioplasty is extremely rare. Infective endocarditis has varied clinical presentations making its diagnosis difficult. Hence a high degree of clinical suspicion by the treating physician is essential for rapid diagnosis and treatment. Design and method: We present a case of a 54 year old man, a non-intravenous drug user with long standing history of diabetes mellitus, who underwent a per-cutaneous coronary angioplasty for a double vessel block of the coronary vasculature. Six months later he presented to the emergency room with a febrile illness. His initial blood report was positive for dengue fever. His clinical symptoms rapidly worsened over one day with development of endogenous endophthalmitis of left eye, erythema nodosum, new-onset Janeway lesions and transient glomerulonephritis. Blood and vitreous fluid cultures showed growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results: Transthoracic echocardiogram showed presence of an oscillating vegetation attached to the papillary muscle of the left ventricle, associated with moderate mitral regurgitation and new onset mitral valve prolapse. He was aggressively treated with a combination therapy of intravenous and intravitreal antibiotics. His clinical features and blood hemogram showed gradual improvement over the next four weeks, responding to medical treatment. Echocardiogram was repeated which showed no resolution in findings. As his visual acuity showed no improvement, an enucleation surgery of his left eye was planned. One day prior to the surgery, patient became unresponsive with no recordable pulse rate and blood pressure. He had developed a sudden cardiac arrest and died. Conclusions: Complications and systemic embolization are more commonly associated with the left heart infective endocarditis. Despite various advances and administration of adequate treatment, infective endocarditis is associated with a guarded prognosis. It has significantly high degree of morbidity and mortality.

Isolated Native Tricuspid Valve Endocarditis in a Nonintravenous Drug User

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a disease characterized by high morbidity and mortality. IE was first described in the mid-16th century. Right-sided infective endocarditis (RSIE) represents 5% to 10% of all IE episodes in adults. RSIE can be divided into three groups according to the underlying risk factors: intravenous drug users (IDUs), cardiac device carriers, and the “three noes” group (no left-sided IE, no IDUs, and no cardiac devices). Tricuspid valve endocarditis in nonintravenous drug users can occur in a variety of conditions including congenital heart disease, intracardiac devices, central venous catheters, and immunologically debilitated patients. Due to the rareness of isolated native nonrheumatic tricuspid valve endocarditis, here, we like to present an 18-year-old male from rural Ethiopia with the diagnosis of isolated native tricuspid valve endocarditis that was treated and cured.

Tricuspid valve infective endocarditis in a non-IVDU patient with atopic dermatitis.

A 29-year-old male, with chronic atopic dermatitis (AD), presented with a 2-week history of fatigue, pyrexia and weight loss. Examination showed eczematous patches with lichenified papules, erosions on the right shin and a new murmur. Blood cultures isolated methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Transthoracic echocardiography showed vegetation on the tricuspid valve (TV) that was adherent to the septal leaflet. He was treated for infective endocarditis, attributed to poorly controlled AD, with intravenous Flucloxacillin. Due to ongoing sepsis and pulmonary septic emboli, Clindamycin was added. He underwent TV repair; the septal leaflet was excised, and the remnant two leaflets were brought together with a ring. His patent foramen ovale was closed. His skin was treated with topical steroids and emollients. Right-sided endocarditis of an intact TV is uncommon in a non-intravenous drug user. Therefore, this novel case portrays the importance of aggressively managing AD as it is a risk factor for significant systemic infections.

The THE SPECTRUM OF OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS ON HIGHLY ACTIVE ANTI-RETROVIRAL THERAPY AT MERPATI CLINIC, BALI, INDONESIA: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Objective: Infections contributed to higher morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in both developed and developing countries. This study aimed to describe the spectrum of opportunistic infections (OIs) and associated factors among PLWHA on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) at Merpati Clinic, Wangaya Regional General Hospital in Denpasar, Bali.&#x0D; Methods: This was a retrospective study. All of PLWHA, who still receiving HAART at Merpati Clinic from January 2018 to January 2020, who met inclusion and exclusion criteria, were included as subjects in this study. All data were collected through a review of the complete medical record of patients.&#x0D; Results: The prevalence of OIs in this study was 43.4%. Most PLWHA who experienced OIs were male (68.8%), age ≤40 y old with a median of age 36 y old, educational status senior high school (57.7%), married (62.1%), employed (89.7%), CD4 cell count ≥ 200 cells/µl (67.6%) and transmission route of HIV non-Intravenous (IV) drug user (99.2%). Sex, age, marital status, and CD4 cell count were significantly associated with OIs, p=0.000, p=0.005, p=0.005, and p=0.000, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: The commonest OI in this study was pulmonary tuberculosis. The presence of OIs was associated with sex, age of HIV diagnosis, marital status, and CD4 cell count. With the knowledge of OIs spectrum, clinicians are expected to be able to prevent, diagnose and treat OIs promptly to decrease the morbidity and mortality caused by OIs efficiently.

Highlights for Dental Care as a Hepatitis C Risk Factor: A Review of Literature.

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a viral infection that affects an estimated 71 million people worldwide, with over 1 million new infections yearly. While medical treatments exist, HCV continues to be a significant public health concern. Primary prevention and transmission risk factor identification remain key in helping decrease disease prevalence. While intravenous drug use, healthcare exposure (i.e. blood transfusions and surgical care), and body modification (i.e. tattooing and piercings) are well accepted risk factors for HCV transmission, others remain controversial. Because dental practice is often associated with procedures and bleeding, the possibility of HCV transmission seemed reasonable to investigate. Here, we review the evidence for dental care as a potential risk factor for HCV transmission. We identified a total of 1,180 manuscripts related to HCV and dental care, of which 26 manuscripts were included in the study after exclusionary criteria were applied. As per our review of the available literature, in the developing world, the improper use of sterile technique and lack of provider education likely increases the risk of HCV transmission during dental care. In developed nations, on the other hand, general dental care does not appear to be a significant risk factor for HCV transmission in non-intravenous drug user patients; although, the improper use and reuse of anesthetics during procedures poses a rare potential risk for viral transmission.

Comparing the Prevalence of HTLV-1 and Its Risk Factors in Prisoners with Intravenous and Non-Intravenous Drug Use in Birjand

Background and Objectives: Regarding the high prevalence of the risk factors for human T-cell leukemia Virus (HTLV) in prison, including the high intravenous drug use and the higher chance of unprotected sexual behaviors, homosexuality, tattoos, and the probability of association between this disease and other sexually transmitted infections such as HTLV, this study compares the prevalence of HTLV-1 and its risk factors in intravenous and non-intravenous drug user prisoners in Birjand. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in Birjand Prison during 2014-2015. The research community included all the prisoners of Birjand. Census method was used across intravenous drug users and simple random sampling for non-intravenous drug users’ group where sample size was considered to be 300 individuals (69 individuals in the case group and 231 individuals in the control group). Collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests in SPSS software v.21 at siginificance level of 5%. Results: According to the results of the study, there was no case of HTLV-1 in either of the two groups. However, prevalence of smoking and history of common injection, non-sterile injections, suspected sexual contact, alcohol consumption, and tattoo in intravenous drug users were significantly higher than in non-intravenous drug users (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study suggested that although the prevalence of this disease was zero in the studied community, the prevalence of its risk factors was significant. This requires planning to reduce the risk factors associated with this disease in the target community.

Intravenous Drug Use-Related Complications of the Hand and Upper Extremity.

In the last decade, there has been an increase in intravenous drug use (IVDU) and associated medical problems. Users commonly inject into their upper extremities, which can result in infection and other sequelae in this area. The goal of this study was to compare demographics and treatment for upper extremity infections between intravenous drug users and non-intravenous drug users over the past 10 years at 1 level I emergency department (ED). This was a retrospective case-control study. All patients presenting to the ED with an upper extremity infection in 2005, 2010, and 2015 were identified using the ninth revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems and Current Procedural Terminology codes. Patients with an IVDU-related infection were identified by manually reviewing the medical record and matched with patients with non-IVDU-related infection on demographics. Patient-related factors, infection specifics, and treatment parameters were compared in both groups. The number of IVDU-related upper extremity infection cases presenting to the ED increased 126% over the 10-year period (65 cases in 2005, 109 cases in 2010, and 147 cases in 2015). The location of infection in the IVDU group was more likely to be in a typical injection site (forearm, P < 0.001; wrist, P = 0.002), and IVDU patients had 33% more hospital admissions and stayed in the hospital longer (3 days versus 0.59; P < 0.001). These patients also were more likely to have a computed tomography scan (P < 0.001) and have Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) (P = 0.009). Over a 10-year period, the number of IVDU-related upper extremity infections more than doubled, with more severe infections that underwent advanced imaging and intensive treatment.

Native valve endocarditis due to Staphylococcus aureus in a non-intravenous drug user: Case report and review of the literature

Native valve endocarditis due to Staphylococcus aureus in a non-intravenous drug user: Case report and review of the literature

Trends and outcomes of late initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy driven by late presentation among HIV-positive Taiwanese patients in the era of treatment scale-up.

ObjectivesThe international and national HIV treatment guidelines in 2016 have focused on scaling up access to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). We aimed to assess the trends and treatment outcomes of late cART initiation in Taiwan.MethodsBetween June 2012 and May 2016, we retrospectively included antiretroviral-naive HIV-positive adults who initiated cART. Late initiation was defined as when cART was initiated in patients with a CD4 count <200 cells/mm3 or having experienced AIDS-defining illnesses. The treatment outcomes were assessed up to 6 months after starting cART.ResultsWe included 3655 HIV-positive patients, and the majority of the patients were male (95.4%) with a median age of 31 years and initiated non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor-containing regimens (87.0%). The median CD4 count at cART initiation increased from 207 cells/mm3 in 2012 to 298 cells/mm3 in 2016, and the overall proportion of late cART initiation decreased from 49.1% in 2012 to 29.0% in 2016 (P for trend <0.001). Late cART initiation mainly resulted from late presentation for HIV care and was associated with older age (per 1-year increase, adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.05; 95% CI, 1.04–1.06), HBsAg seropositivity (AOR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.04–1.64), HIV care in central and southern Taiwan, initiating cART in earlier year, non-intravenous drug users (AOR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.33–2.86), and negative hepatitis C serostatus (AOR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.04–2.08). Compared with non-late initiators, late initiators had a higher rate of all-cause mortality (1.7% vs. 0.3%) and regimen modification due to virological failure (7.1% vs. 2.6%). The predicting factors of all-cause mortality were late cART initiation (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 5.40; 95% CI, 2.14–13.65) and older age (AHR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03–1.10).ConclusionsWhile the proportion of late cART initiation decreased over time in Taiwan, late initiation remained in a substantial proportion of HIV-positive patients. The late initiators had higher risk for poor outcomes. The need for strategies to earlier detection of HIV infection and expediting cART initiation should be highlighted, especially among the older population.

Tricuspid Valve Endocarditis due to Klebsiella Specie in a Non-Intravenous Drug User – A Case Report and Review of Current Literature

Tricuspid Valve Endocarditis due to Klebsiella Specie in a Non-Intravenous Drug User – A Case Report and Review of Current Literature

An uncommon onset for tricuspid endocarditis

Tricuspid endocarditis itself is a less common cause of endocarditis. It is rarely seen in non-intravenous drug users, non-central venous catheter, non-pacemaker patients and patients without congenital cardiac disorder.

Infekcijski endokarditis na trikuspidalni zaklopki povzročen z bakterijo Eikinella corrodens

AbstractBackground. Infectious endocarditis of the tricuspid valve is rare in non-intravenous drug users and patients without central venous devices. The most frequent causative agents are staphylococci, rarely other bacteria.Methods. We describe a case of a 57-year-old patient without history of drug abuse that was admitted to our hospital because of fever with chills, dry cough, loss of appetite and wasting lasting for a few months. He had a venous ulcer on the right foot and interdigital inflammation on both feet. Eikenella corrodens was isolated from blood cultures. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a large vegetation on the anterior leaflet of tricuspid valve. CT scan oh the thorax showed probable septic emboli. The patient was treated conservatively with prolonged double antibiotic regimen. During the treatment there were no further complications.Conclusions. In our patients a rare form of tricuspid valve endocarditis was confirmed, caused by Eikenella corrodens. The possibility of infectious endocarditis should always be considered in patients with prolonged fever, especially when a possible causative agent is isolated from blood cultures.