Bacterial Endocarditis

Bacterial endocarditis is bacterial infection of the endocardial surface or heart valves, presenting with fever, a new/changed murmur, embolic phenomena, and positive blood cultures. It may be acute (S. aureus, aggressive) or subacute (viridans strep, indolent). Treatment: blood cultures; prolonged IV bactericidal antibiotics; surgery for heart failure, uncontrolled infection, large vegetations, or prosthetic-valve endocarditis; endocarditis prophylaxis for high-risk patients.

Common Symptoms

Fever; new/changed murmur; embolic signs; positive blood cultures; by acute/subacute

Causes and Pathogenesis

Bacteria seed endocardium/valves, forming vegetations and causing destruction/emboli.

Treatment

Blood cultures; prolonged IV antibiotics; surgery for HF/uncontrolled infection/large vegetations; prophylaxis

Preventive Measures

Dental/endocarditis prophylaxis in high-risk valves; treat infection.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Cardiology/Infectious-disease department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.