ABSTRACT
Infective endocarditis may occur in native or prosthetic valves and is more common in certain patient groups, for example intravenous drug users (IVDUs), degenerative valve disease and indwelling venous access devices. The most common causative organism is Staphylococcus aureus, although IVDUs are at a particular risk of candida or aspergillus infection. Embolisation may be the presenting feature of the illness.
