Most cases of acute endocarditis are caused by
Staphylococcus aureus
, though patients infected with this organism will occasionally run a subacute course. Enterococci are versatile and may produce either acute or subacute endocarditis. The pneumococcus nearly always produces an acute infection.
Which organism causes subacute endocarditis?
Subacute bacterial endocarditis is usually caused by
streptococcal bacteria
. This form of the disease usually develops on damaged valves after dental surgery involving infected gums, reproductive or urinary (genitourinary tract) surgery or operations on the gastrointestinal tract.
Which of the following organisms is most often associated with subacute bacterial endocarditis?
Streptococci and staphylococci, particularly
S. aureus
, are the most commonly identified infectious organisms. Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 39% of cases in one study. More recent studies have identified Streptococcus viridans in 26% to 32% of cases and S.
Which of the hacek organisms is most likely to cause subacute bacterial endocarditis SBE?
Most endocarditis is caused by
Gram-positive bacteria (most commonly Staphylococcus or Streptococcus)
with a minority caused by Gram-negatives or fungi. A recent multinational study attributed 1.4% of cases of endocarditis to HACEK organisms.
Is subacute endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus aureus?
STAPHYLOCOCCI. S. aureus is a
common cause of bacterial endocarditis
in patients with prosthetic valves and in injection drug users. This organism is also the most common cause of acute bacterial endocarditis in patients with previously normal cardiac valves.
What are the symptoms of subacute endocarditis?
- Aching joints and muscles.
- Chest pain when you breathe.
- Fatigue.
- Flu-like symptoms, such as fever and chills.
- Night sweats.
- Shortness of breath.
- Swelling in your feet, legs or abdomen.
How is subacute bacterial endocarditis diagnosed?
Your doctor will usually order
a blood test and a blood culture
. A blood culture can sometimes identify the specific type of bacteria causing your infection. A standard blood test can reveal a low red blood cell count, which is a common symptom of SBE. Other tests include echocardiography.
What antibiotics treat endocarditis?
Initial empiric therapy in patients with suspected endocarditis should include
vancomycin or ampicillin/sulbactam (Unasyn)
plus an aminoglycoside (plus rifampin in patients with prosthetic valves). Valve replacement should be considered in selected patients with infectious endocarditis.
Which valve is most common for endocarditis?
The tricuspid valve
is most commonly affected (50%), whereas involvement of the mitral and aortic valves is less common (20% each).
What is the most common bacterial cause of endocarditis?
Two kinds of bacteria cause most cases of bacterial endocarditis. These are
staphylococci (staph) and streptococci (strep)
. You may be at increased risk for bacterial endocarditis if you have certain heart valve problems.
How do you confirm endocarditis?
Echocardiogram
. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to produce images of your heart while it’s beating. This test shows how your heart’s chambers and valves are pumping blood through your heart. Your doctor may use two different types of echocardiograms to help diagnose endocarditis.
What is the difference between acute and subacute endocarditis?
Acute
infective endocarditis develops suddenly and may become life threatening within days
. Subacute infective endocarditis (also called subacute bacterial endocarditis) develops gradually and subtly over a period of weeks to several months but also can be life threatening.
What virus causes endocarditis?
An infection of the endocardium
causes endocarditis. The infection is normally caused by streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria. Rarely, it can be caused by fungi or other infectious micro-organisms.
What is the drug of choice for right sided infective endocarditis caused by S aureus?
Daptomycin (6 mg/kg/24 h)
has been approved for the treatment of S aureus BSI and right-sided IE. Higher doses of daptomycin (12 mg/kg/24 h) are more effective, with little increase in adverse effects. Patients who have received vancomycin have a higher rate of resistance to daptomycin.
How long can endocarditis last?
Endocarditis is treated with long-term courses of intravenous antibiotics or antifungals. Each course can last
as long as six weeks
.
Can bacterial endocarditis be cured?
Learn more about endocarditis. In many cases of endocarditis,
antibiotics alone can cure the infection
. However, in about 25-30 percent of patients with IE, surgery is needed during the early acute phase of infection due to severe valve leakage or failure to control the infection with antibiotics.
