Subacute bacterial endocarditis

Definition

Subacute bacterial endocarditis is a slow-developing infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocardium) often caused by Streptococcus viridans. It typically occurs in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or damaged heart valves.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subacute bacterial endocarditis progresses more slowly than acute bacterial endocarditis, often taking weeks to months to develop.
2. The most common causative agent is Streptococcus viridans, which is part of the normal flora of the mouth and upper respiratory tract.
3. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, weight loss, and heart murmurs, which can lead to complications like embolism or heart failure if untreated.
4. Diagnosis usually involves blood cultures and echocardiography to identify vegetations on the heart valves.
5. Treatment typically requires prolonged antibiotic therapy, often lasting several weeks.

Review Questions

• What are the common symptoms of subacute bacterial endocarditis?
• Which bacteria are most commonly responsible for causing subacute bacterial endocarditis?
• How is subacute bacterial endocarditis diagnosed and treated?

Related terms

Acute Bacterial Endocarditis: A rapidly progressing infection of the heart's inner lining that can lead to severe complications within days.

Vegetation: Clusters of platelets, fibrin, microorganisms, and inflammatory cells that form on heart valves during endocarditis.

Echocardiography: An imaging technique used to visualize the heart's structure and function, often used in diagnosing endocarditis.