The microbial diagnosis of infective endocarditis.
This review suggests an evidence-based algorithm for sequential testing in infective endocarditis. It discusses blood culture and the merits and drawbacks of serology in making the diagnosis. Newer techniques are briefly reviewed. The proposed algorithm will complement the Duke criteria in clinical practice.
Watkin
R W
RW
Department of Cardiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
Lang
S
S
Lambert
P A
PA
Littler
W A
WA
Elliott
T S J
TS
D000465:Algorithms; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D012698:Serologic Tests