Where is the most frequent damaged site of the heart as a result of recurrent infections with streptococci?
Mitral valve is the most common site followed by the aortic valve. The damaged valve may be apparent after many years as a heart murmur on physical examination. Prolonged penicillin therapy for prophylaxis is required to prevent future infections with S. pyogenes. Once heart valves are damaged, patients should be given amoxicillin before any dental or surgical procedure.