Endocarditis: A Review of Recent Literature

Endocarditis remains a challenging diagnosis, with significant implications for early identification and initiation of therapy. In this review, we examine the evolution in the epidemiology and presentation of infectious endocarditis (IE), the role of new diagnostic tools, and the approach to therapy.

Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species remain the most common causative organisms, but the prevalence of IE caused by enterococcus and non-HACEK organisms is increasing. While newer antibiotics such as dalbavancin have shown promise, treatment must still be tailored on an individual basis. Evidence suggests that antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent IE be limited to high-risk patients undergoing invasive procedures.

The Duke Criteria, first established in 1994, provide a guideline by which clinicians can identify affected patients. Now, 23 years after their last update in 2000, the Modified Duke Criteria have been revised to account for changes in our understanding of the disease. When combined with evolving treatment guidelines, clinicians have updated tools to help combat this disease.