Infective endocarditis is a microbial infection of a heart valve commonly occurring in previously damaged native or prosthetic valves, but may also occur in previously normal valves. Endocarditis can be acute, subacute or post-operative, depending on the offending organism and manner of presentation of the disease. Bacteria like streptococci and staphylococci are the most common culprits; however rickettsia, chlamydia and fungi are also involved.
Attribution: Avallain