A victim of fashion- Oral piercing leading to infective endocarditis.
Body piercings and tattoos have been a popular form of self-expression especially since the industrialized cultures of early 2000’s. With the use of improper sanitation and sterilization techniques, this practice can pose to serious infections. Endocarditis is an uncommon life-threatening condition caused by various bacteria, the most common being Staphylococcus aureus. Patients with an underlying heart condition and immunodeficiency are especially at risk, though infected needles if placed in direct contact with the bloodstream can lead to bacteremia. A rare case of infective endocarditis caused by a facultative anaerobe normally present in the oropharynx in an 18-year-old was reported. Patient had symptoms of recurring fever and heart failure following an oral piercing. Clinical and laboratory results confirmed the presence of Gemella morbillorum. Source: Carano N, Agnetti A, Allegri V, Tchana B, Saracino A, Sommi M, Bo I, Squarcia U. Infective endocarditis following body piercing: Presentation of one case due to Gemella morbillorum and review of the literature. Med Sci Monit. 2010 Oct;16(10):CS124-8. PMID: 20885356.
