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Unveiling the Culprits: Bacteria Behind Infective Endocarditis
Published: Oct 28, 2023
Understanding the bacteria that cause infective endocarditis is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Common Bacterial Causes
The main bacterial culprits of infective endocarditis include staphylococci, streptococci, and enterococci. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause in healthcare settings, while streptococci are often behind community-acquired cases.
Uncommon Causes
Less common causes include gram-negative bacteria, which do not adhere to heart valves as easily as gram-positive bacteria. Fungal infections are rare but can be caused by Candida and Aspergillus species.
Specific Bacteria and Risk
Different streptococcal species have varying risks for causing infective endocarditis. Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus gordonii are among those with high odds, while Streptococcus pyogenes has a lower risk.
Culture-Negative Cases
In some cases, cultures fail to identify the bacteria causing infective endocarditis. These culture-negative cases can account for up to 8 percent of all cases and pose challenges in treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Staphylococci, streptococci, and enterococci are the main causes.
Yes, but rarely. Candida and Aspergillus can cause fungal endocarditis.
Yes, culture-negative cases account for up to 8 percent of cases.
Staphylococcus aureus is the most common in these settings.
No, risk varies among different streptococcal species.
Know Your Enemy
Identifying the bacteria behind infective endocarditis is key to effective treatment.
References
- Østergaard L, Voldstedlund M, Bruun NE, et al. Temporal Changes, Patient Characteristics, and Mortality, According to Microbiological Cause of Infective Endocarditis: A Nationwide Study. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e025801.
- Chamat-Hedemand S, Dahl A, Østergaard L, et al. Prevalence of Infective Endocarditis in Streptococcal Bloodstream Infections Is Dependent on Streptococcal Species. Circulation 2020; 142:720.
- Chambers ST, Murdoch D, Morris A, et al. HACEK infective endocarditis: characteristics and outcomes from a large, multi-national cohort. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63181.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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