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MCQ 29: Infective endocarditis in i/v drug abuser

Q. A 25 years old gentleman is brought to emergency with the complaint of fever for 7 days. He drinks five units of alcohol per day and admitted to regular intravenous drug abuse. On examination, he is febrile, has tachypnea and tachycardia. Blood pressure is 108/70. JVP is elevated and there is a murmur all over the precordium. What will be most likely cause of infection in this patient?
A. Staphylococcus epidermidis
B. Streptococcus viridans
C. Staphylococcus aureus
D. Pneumocystis carinii


Answer: Staphylococcus aureus

Explanation:
With given history and abuse of i/v drugs, tricuspid valve endocarditis is most likely diagnosis. Among, i/v drug abusers, Staphylococcus aureus is most common cause. 

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