title: Endocarditis. Changing trends in epidemiology, clinical and microbiologic spectrum.
abstract: Infective endocarditis refers to infection of the endocardium or heart valves by microbes, resulting in tissue destruction. Clinical presentation is quite variable, and a high level of suspicion is essential for recognition. Diagnosis is dependent on identification of the causative agent in blood cultures. Cultures that are persistently negative indicate the presence of culture-negative endocarditis, and diagnosis is one of exclusion. Treatment of endocarditis consists of high doses of antibiotics active against the infecting organism. Individualized therapy is the key to management.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Nunley
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Perlman
mesh_terms: D004696:Endocarditis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans