Endocarditis is a severe medical disease marked by inflammation of the endocardium, the interior lining of the heart’s chambers and valves. One of the most prevalent bacteria capable of causing endocarditis is Staphylococcus aureus, also known as Staph infection.
Staph infection is a form of bacterial infection produced by the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, frequently found on healthy people’s skin or in their nasal passages. When these bacteria penetrate the bloodstream and reach the heart, they can inflame and damage the endocardium, resulting in endocarditis. If not treated quickly and successfully, this disease can be fatal.
The symptoms of Endocarditis can develop slowly over a few weeks or months or rapidly over a span of a few days.
It’s essential to note that these symptoms can also indicate other conditions, if you experience any of them, seek medical care immediately, particularly if you have a history of heart issues or a recent infection.
Bacteremia: Staphylococcus aureus can infiltrate the body through various routes, including intravenous medication use, indwelling catheters, contaminated medical devices, and many other ways. When bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can move to the heart and induce endocarditis.
Research studies have found that Staphylococcus aureus was the cause of 11.6% of bacteremia in children hospitalized in Cape Town.
Dental procedures: Dental treatments that induce bleeding, such as teeth extractions or gum surgery, can bring Staphylococcus aureus into circulation, potentially raising the risk of endocarditis.
Skin and soft tissue infections: Skin and mild tissue infections caused by Staphylococcus aurei, such as abscesses or cellulitis, can lead to infection and subsequent endocarditis.
Prosthetic heart valve or device: Endocarditis is more likely to occur in people with mechanical heart valves or other implanted cardiac devices. Staphylococcus aureus can adhere to the surface of these devices.
Immunocompromised condition: People who have weaker immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or who are getting immunosuppressive treatment, are more likely to develop endocarditis as a result of Staphylococcus aureus infection.
Heart structural abnormalities: Structural heart abnormalities, such as congenital or developed valve disease, raise the risk of endocarditis.
Chronic conditions: Conditions that affect the immune system and raise the chance of getting endocarditis include diabetes, renal disease, and liver disease.
Age: People over 60 are more likely to develop endocarditis.
Intravenous drug use: Using intravenous drugs increases the chance of developing endocarditis by spreading germs, such as Staphylococcus aureus, into the bloodstream.
Healthcare-associated infections: Due to the possibility of healthcare-associated conditions, people who have gotten medical treatment in hospitals, particularly in intensive care units, as well as other healthcare environments, are at an elevated risk of developing endocarditis.
Medical professionals typically use a combination of physical examinations, blood tests, imaging studies, and echocardiography to diagnose endocarditis induced by staphylococcus aureus infection. Healthcare professionals use blood samples to analyze the infection-causing bacteria.
Imaging tests like echocardiography can help spot vegetation or bacterial clusters and discover anomalies in the heart valves.
Endocarditis complications can be severe and possibly fatal. Examples include heart failure, sepsis, stroke, renal injury, and even death. The infection can travel to other body areas, such as the lungs, brain, or bones, causing severe and possibly irreversible damage.
Prompt diagnosis and therapy are critical in lowering the risk of complications and enhancing results for people suffering from endocarditis.
Treatment of endocarditis typically involves a combination of antibiotics and, in severe cases, surgery to repair or replace damaged heart valves. Sometimes, patients may require intravenous antibiotics for several weeks or even months. Surgery may be needed if the infection has caused substantial harm to the heart valves or if there are signs of chronic illness despite antibiotic therapy.
People can prevent endocarditis by taking precautions against bacterial infections, like using good hand hygiene, abstaining from intravenous drug use, and quickly addressing skin illnesses. Additionally, it is crucial to seek medical care immediately if any signs of infection or cardiac issues, such as fever, chills, loss of breath, or chest discomfort, appear.