What is bacterial endocarditis?
Bacterial endocarditis (BE) is an infection of the valves and inner lining of the heart (called the endocardium). It happens when bacteria from the skin, mouth, intestines or urinary tract enter the bloodstream (usually during a dental or medical procedure) and infect the heart.
Source
Management of Bacterial Endocarditis by BE Giessel, MD; CJ Koenig, MD; RL Blake Jr, MD (American Family Physician March 15, 2000, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000315/1725.html)
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff
Reviewed/Updated: 09/10
Created: 09/00