Bacterial endocarditis is a bacterial infection of the endocardium of the heart, mostly the valves. It occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream (bactremia) and attach to a damaged part of the inner heart and is not contagious.
It is more common in individuals with abnormal heart structure, exposure to infectious bacteria, high risk behavior (such as intravenous drug use), and those with certain heart conditions as congenital heart disease, rheumatic fever, and a history of open heart surgery. New evidence is linking piercings and excessive alcohol consumption as a risk factor for those susceptible to the disease.
The treatment for this disease is long-term antibiotics, usually lasting 2-6 weeks. Some patients have to undergo surgery to remove the infected tissue, correct an existing disease, or repair/replace their valve(s). The patient who has had endocarditis will need to take antibiotics before having dental work and certain types of surgery.
When I started searching for information, I started where I always do, Google. After I typed in different keywords, the ones I picked to look at where those on credible websites; such as the CDC, AHA, etc. As far as picking through the databases, I always read the abstract first. If it was too vague or didn’t sound like what I was looking for, I stopped looking at it.
1) Masterfile Premier
Recognizing and managing different types of endocarditis.
2005
This site explains the different types of infections the heart may encounter. It is informative because it tells you the signs and symptoms in addition to ways to treat them. There are also may causes of the disease listed, along with various definitions.
2) Masterfile Premier
Prevention of infective endocarditis: the new AHA guideline and the elderly.
2008.
This article has information over the different types of bacteria that can cause endocarditis and how/why they do. It also touches on why elderly people are becoming more susceptible to bacterial endocarditis. It discusses different recommendations regarding prophylaxis by the American Heart Association.
3) Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Emerging issues in infective endocarditis
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol10no6/03-0848.htm
4) Medscape
Endocarditis, Bacterial
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/896540-overview
5) American Heart Association (AHA)
Bacterial Endocarditis
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/107/20/e185
6) Cleveland Clinic
Disease management project; Infective endocarditis
