bacterial endocarditis

pathology

Also known as: infectious endocarditis, infective endocarditis(Show More)

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June 18, 2026

Quick Summary

Bacterial endocarditis is the inflammation of the heart lining, or endocardium, caused by microorganisms like bacteria that enter the bloodstream and become trapped in the heart. This condition typically affects individuals with pre-existing valvular or congenital heart disease, which creates an environment conducive to microbial growth.1

The disease is characterized by vegetations, which are clusters of microorganisms and inflammatory cells, forming on the heart valves. These vegetations can break off and travel through the bloodstream, potentially causing strokes or spreading infection to other parts of the body.1

Endocarditis can be acute, progressing rapidly with symptoms like fever and systemic infection, or subacute, developing more slowly. Diagnosis is made through blood cultures and physical examination, and treatment involves intravenous antimicrobial drugs. In severe cases, surgical valve replacement may be necessary.1

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endocarditis
Traditionally, infective endocarditis has been classified as acute or subacute. Acute infective endocarditis generally is caused by Staphylococcus, Pneumococcus, or Gonococcus bacteria or by fungi. This form of endocarditis develops rapidly, with fever, malaise, and other signs of systemic infection coupled with abnormal cardiac function and
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Traditionally, infective endocarditis has been classified as acute or subacute. Acute infective endocarditis generally is caused by Staphylococcus, Pneumococcus, or Gonococcus bacteria or by fungi. This form of endocarditis develops rapidly, with fever, malaise, and other signs of systemic infection coupled with abnormal cardiac function and
Read More

immune system disorder
Type III hypersensitivity
…can also result from subacute bacterial endocarditis, a chronic infection of damaged heart valves. The infectious agent is often Streptococcus viridans, normally a harmless inhabitant of the mouth. The bacteria in the heart become covered with a layer of fibrin, which protects them from destruction by granulocytes, while they continue…
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…can also result from subacute bacterial endocarditis, a chronic infection of damaged heart valves. The infectious agent is often Streptococcus viridans, normally a harmless inhabitant of the mouth. The bacteria in the heart become covered with a layer of fibrin, which protects them from destruction by granulocytes, while they continue…
Read More

cardiovascular disease
Abnormalities of the ventricular septum
…is the increased risk of bacterial endocarditis (inflammation of the heart lining as a result of bacterial infection). This risk is likely to be high during procedures such as dental extractions, when infection may enter the bloodstream.
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…is the increased risk of bacterial endocarditis (inflammation of the heart lining as a result of bacterial infection). This risk is likely to be high during procedures such as dental extractions, when infection may enter the bloodstream.
Read More