ABSTRACT
Infective endocarditis (IE) is defined as the microbial invasion and the inflammatory reaction of the endocardium to a given organism. It mostly affects cardiac valves. The condition has an incidence ranging from 3 to 7 per 100 000 person-years, with a mortality approaching 30% at 1 year. Individuals with rheumatic heart disease, prosthetic valves, congenital heart disease, abnormal valves, and indwelling cardiovascular devices, and intravenous (IV) drug abusers are at higher risk for IE. Advanced age leads to both a higher incidence and higher mortality rate.
