Navel piercing as a cause for Streptococcus viridans endocarditis: case report, review of the literature and implications for antibiotic prophylaxis

Abstract

We describe a case of Streptococcus viridans endocarditis in a 17-year-old female with congenital ventricular septal defect, that followed shortly after performing naval piercing. She was eventually treated with penicillin with complete recovery. We review other cases from the literature of piercing-associated endocarditis, and suggest that individuals at particularly high risk might be considered for antibiotic prophylaxis prior to such procedures.