Bacterial endocarditis

Bacterial endocarditis is an invasive infection and inflammation of the endocardium, most frequently involving native or prosthetic heart valves, mural endocardium, or implanted intracardiac devices This process leads to progressive tissue destruction, acute or subacute valvular dysfunction, sustained bacteremia, and a high risk of life-threatening systemic embolization

It primarily affects the cardiovascular system, with heightened vulnerability among individuals with preexisting valvular disease, congenital cardiac anomalies, prosthetic materials, or history of intravenous drug use

It primarily affects the cardiovascular system, with heightened vulnerability among individuals with preexisting valvular disease, congenital cardiac anomalies, prosthetic materials, or history of intravenous drug use

Pathophysiologically, circulating bacteria—predominantly staphylococci, streptococci, or enterococci—colonize damaged endocardial surfaces or thrombi, forming infected vegetations composed of fibrin, platelets, and microorganisms

Pathophysiologically, circulating bacteria—predominantly staphylococci, streptococci, or enterococci—colonize damaged endocardial surfaces or thrombi, forming infected vegetations composed of fibrin, platelets, and microorganisms

This process leads to progressive tissue destruction, acute or subacute valvular dysfunction, sustained bacteremia, and a high risk of life-threatening systemic embolization