Rheumatic heart diseaseDownloads

A 53-year-old female presents with worsening shortness of breath with activity. Physical exam reveals a diastolic murmur with an opening snap. The patient’s medical history is significant for a left hip replacement 10 years ago, and she vaguely recalls an extended period of illness as a child described as several severe episodes of sore throat followed by rash, fever, and joint pains. Administration of which of the following treatments at that time would have been most effective in reducing her risk of developing cardiac disease?

A 63-year-old man comes to the physician for evaluation of fever and a nonproductive cough for the past 2 weeks. During this period, he has also had fatigue, myalgia, and difficulty breathing. Five weeks ago, he underwent an aortic prosthetic valve replacement due to high-grade aortic stenosis. The patient has a history of hypertension, asthma, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. A colonoscopy 2 years ago was normal. The patient has smoked one pack of cigarettes daily for the past 40 years. He has never used illicit drugs. Current medications include aspirin, warfarin, lisinopril, metformin, inhaled albuterol, and a multivitamin. The patient appears lethargic. Temperature is 38.6°C (101.5°F), pulse is 105/min, and blood pressure is 140/60 mm Hg. Rales are heard on auscultation of the lungs. A grade 2/6, diastolic blowing murmur is heard over the left sternal border and radiates to the right sternal border. A photograph of his right index finger is shown. Laboratory studies show a leukocyte count of 13,800/mm3 and an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 48 mm/h. Which of the following is the most likely causal organism?