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Fulminant infective endocarditis with toxin-negative Corynebacterium diphtheriae in people with substance use experiencing homelessness, England, 2024 to 2025
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View Affiliations Hide AffiliationsRebecca Corderyrebecca.cordery ukhsa.gov.uk
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Citation style for this article: . Fulminant infective endocarditis with toxin-negative Corynebacterium diphtheriae in people with substance use experiencing homelessness, England, 2024 to 2025. Euro Surveill. 2025;30(13):pii=2500148. https://doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.13.2500148 Received: 27 Feb 2025; Accepted: 03 Apr 2025
Abstract
Between July 2024 and January 2025, five male patients in their early 20s to early 50s were confirmed with infective endocarditis associated with non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae in England. Three were known to have experienced homelessness. All five used non-intravenous recreational drugs. Disease progression was rapid, four patients required surgical intervention, one died. Whole-genome sequencing and multilocus sequence type (MLST) analysis identified four individuals as ST559. Clinicians and substance use services have been alerted and enhanced surveillance implemented. A prevalence study is planned.

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