Intravascular Infections

Another significant category of intravascular infections is infective endocarditis (IE), which involves the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. Endocarditis often results from the colonization of heart valves by microorganisms, typically bacteria, entering the bloodstream. Predisposing factors include pre-existing heart valve abnormalities, intravenous drug use, and certain medical procedures that introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. The pathogenesis of infective endocarditis involves the adherence of microorganisms to damaged heart valves, leading to the formation of vegetations composed of bacteria, fibrin, and platelets. These vegetations can embolize, causing systemic complications such as septic emboli in various organs. Common causative agents of infective endocarditis include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridans, and Enterococcus species. Diagnosis is challenging and often requires a combination of blood cultures, echocardiography, and clinical criteria. Treatment involves prolonged courses of intravenous antibiotics tailored to the identified pathogens. Surgical intervention, such as valve replacement, may be necessary in severe cases or when complications arise. Prevention of infective endocarditis involves antibiotic prophylaxis before certain dental and medical procedures in individuals with high-risk cardiac conditions.

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