title: The microbial diagnosis of infective endocarditis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Watkin
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Lambert
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Littler
authors.forename: T S J
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Elliott
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D012698:Serologic Tests