Study note

Infective endocarditis: sites and common organisms

THE CONTEXT

Infective endocarditis is microbial infection involving cardiac or vascular structures and can affect native or prosthetic valves.

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Infection may involve a heart valve, the lining of a cardiac chamber or blood vessel, or a congenital anomaly.

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Both native and prosthetic heart valves can be affected.

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Streptococci and staphylococci are the most common causes, although other organisms can also cause infective endocarditis.

NEETx

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