Which organism is most commonly associated with subacute endocarditis?

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Multiple Choice

Which organism is most commonly associated with subacute endocarditis?

Subacute endocarditis is most commonly caused by viridans group streptococci, a set of bacteria that reside in the oral cavity. They enter the bloodstream after dental work or from poor dentition and tend to seed previously damaged valves, producing a slow, insidious infection. The clinical pictureOften includes low-grade fevers, fatigue, weight loss, and a new or changing heart murmur with gradually forming vegetations on the valve. This contrasts with Staphylococcus aureus, which more commonly causes acute endocarditis with a rapid, aggressive course, especially in IV drug users. Haemophilus influenzae (a member of the HACEK group) and Enterococcus faecalis can cause endocarditis too, but viridans streptococci remain the most frequent cause of the subacute form.

Subacute endocarditis is most commonly caused by viridans group streptococci, a set of bacteria that reside in the oral cavity. They enter the bloodstream after dental work or from poor dentition and tend to seed previously damaged valves, producing a slow, insidious infection. The clinical pictureOften includes low-grade fevers, fatigue, weight loss, and a new or changing heart murmur with gradually forming vegetations on the valve. This contrasts with Staphylococcus aureus, which more commonly causes acute endocarditis with a rapid, aggressive course, especially in IV drug users. Haemophilus influenzae (a member of the HACEK group) and Enterococcus faecalis can cause endocarditis too, but viridans streptococci remain the most frequent cause of the subacute form.

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