Gram-negative bacterial endocarditis in adults: state-of-the-heart

• Published in: Expert review of anti-infective therapy Vol. 8; no. 8; pp. 879 - 885
• Main Authors: Raza, Sania S, Sultan, Omer W, Sohail, Muhammad R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 01.08.2010; Expert Reviews Ltd; Informa Healthcare
• Subjects: Actinobacillus; Adult; Adults; Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; bacilli; Bacteria; Care and treatment; Diagnosis; endocarditis; Endocarditis, Bacterial; Endocarditis, Bacterial - drug therapy; Endocarditis, Bacterial - epidemiology; Endocarditis, Bacterial - microbiology; Endocarditis, Bacterial - surgery; Epidemiology; Gram-negative; Gram-Negative Bacteria - classification; Gram-Negative Bacteria - drug effects; HACEK; Haemophilus; Health aspects; Health Planning Guidelines; Humans; management; Mortality; recommendations; Risk Factors; United States; United States
• ISSN: 1478-7210; 1744-8336; 1744-8336
• DOI: 10.1586/eri.10.76

Gram-negative endocarditis due to HACEK bacteria (Haemophilus species, Actinobacillus, Cardiobacterium, Eikenella and Kingella species) and non-HACEK organisms is an infrequent occurrence but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, non-HACEK Gram-negative endocarditis has been associated with injection drug use. However, emerging data from more contemporary cohorts suggest changing epidemiology and risk factors for Gram-negative endocarditis, necessitating an updated review of this subject. Moreover, optimal management, including the need for surgical intervention, and strategies for the prevention of Gram-negative endocarditis need to be revisited.