What is bacterial endocarditis?

Also known as: infective endocarditis, IE

When the inner lining of the heart (the endocardium) or the valves of the heart get infected by an organism (many bacteria - particularly Streptococci and Staphylococci; but sometimes fungi) the condition is known as bacterial endocarditis. While it is uncommon in children, it is important to diagnose and treat early as it can cause significant complications and even death.

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Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM