Subacute bacterial endocarditis
Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis
Subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE), pronounced as /sʌbˈæ.kjuːt bækˈtɪər.i.əl ˌɛndəʊˈkaɪːtɪs/, is a type of endocarditis that develops slowly over a period of weeks to several months. The term "subacute" is derived from the Latin words "sub" meaning under and "acutus" meaning sharp, indicating a less severe form of the disease. "Bacterial" refers to the cause of the condition, which is a bacterial infection, and "endocarditis" refers to inflammation of the inner layer of the heart, known as the endocardium.
Causes
SBE is most commonly caused by Streptococcus viridans bacteria, which normally live in the mouth and throat. Other bacteria, such as Enterococcus species, can also cause SBE. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream through activities like brushing teeth or during medical procedures, and then attach to damaged areas of the heart.
Symptoms
Symptoms of SBE can vary, but often include fever, fatigue, weight loss, and a slow, progressive weakening of the heart muscle. Other symptoms may include night sweats, shortness of breath, and a new or changed heart murmur.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of SBE typically involves a combination of physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests such as an echocardiogram. Blood cultures are often used to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection.
Treatment
Treatment for SBE usually involves long-term antibiotic therapy to clear the bacterial infection. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair or replace damaged heart valves.
Prognosis
With early diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for SBE is generally good. However, if left untreated, SBE can lead to serious complications such as heart failure, stroke, or other organ damage.
See also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Subacute bacterial endocarditis
- Wikipedia's article - Subacute bacterial endocarditis
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