Bacterial endocarditis is a serious condition in which the lining of the heart chambers and heart valves has been infected by a bacterial source. The infection is manifested in a mass that is known as a vegetation. As with all forms of endocarditis, this results in inflammation. The condition is split into two main categories: infective endocarditis and noninfectious endocarditis. Infective endocarditis refers to conditions where an external source has caused the inflammation. Other infectious sources, such as fungi, may also be the cause of such an infection, but most commonly the problem is a result of bacterial infection (Streptococci or Staphylococci). The infectious source is usually present in the blood and then spreads to the heart. Noninfectious endocarditis occurs when the vegetations are caused not by infection, but by physical trauma. In both types of the condition, the vegetations can cause valvular impairment due to incompetence or obstruction.

Certain groups of people are more prone to endocarditis than others. Those patients whom utilizes injection drugs or have permanent central venous access lines are more susceptible to the condition. Additionally, patients whom have recent surgical or dental work are also at a higher risk. Demographically, about twice as often as women. Symptoms for patients who have infectious endocarditis began as minor issues and may include fever, fatigue, weight loss, malaise, night sweating, chills, or arthralgias. Noninfective patients typically do not have symptoms from the vegetations. For both, embolization can lead to more pronounced symptoms such as heart murmurs, retinal lesions, conjunctivae, petechiae, Osler’s nodes, Janeway lesions, and pain in the flank.

Endocarditis can be extremely difficult to diagnose, but any patient that thinks they may have signs of the condition should report them immediately to a local physician for consultation. Patients whom fit the previously mentioned risk factors should be especially concerned if they develop a fever and heart murmur without other general signs of an infection. For infectious endocarditis, treatment can last a long time and consists of antimicrobial therapy. The antimicrobials are administered through IV and, due to the long duration of treatment, can be completed at home. In severe cases, a surgical operation may be needed to combat mechanical complications or resistant bacteria. In noninfective case, treatment can consist of using medications to prevent coagulation, but generally the outlook is poor.

The serious condition of endocarditis can be caused by either infective or noninfective reasons and both should be considered a dangerous condition. Persons in the risk groups need to become familiar with symptoms and treatment options to help control the condition as soon as it is detected. Any patient diagnosed with bacterial endocarditis should maintain regular visits to a doctor both to monitor progress and adjust treatment methods if necessary.