Describe the etiology and pathophysiology of infectious
endocarditis and pericarditis.
Endocarditis is the infection and inflammation of inner lining of the heart called the endocardium. Similarly, pericarditis is an inflammation of outer layer of the heart, pericardium. In endocarditis, almost 80% of the cases are due to the bacteria, streptococci and staphylococci. Infective endocarditis (IE) generally occurs to the patient with abnormal heart valve, artificial heart valve or people with pacemaker lead. Infection by the bacteria is primarily affected in heart valves and if untreated these bacteria can be multiplied and eventually lead to heart failure.
The pathophysiology of IE is due to three elements -- Bacterial adherence on cardiac valve, on prepared vulvar surface and survival of bacteria on the adherent surface. Infected bacteria normally do not bind to endothelial surface. But, trauma happening to the valves can disrupt endothelial cells and can result in deposition of platelets and fibrin in that area. Once this complex has been build up some bacterial strain can adhere this area and multiply. Antibiotics which specifically target specific structural areas can be used to fight and eliminate bacterial infection over that part.
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