Are Unusual Bacteria Becoming Common Causative Agents of Infective Endocarditis?

Abstract

Infective endocarditis (IE) has been a burden to humanity for the last 300 years. It is a disease which is continuously evolving in its predisposing factors and microbiology. Earlier, the predominant risk factor for IE was rheumatic heat disease but recent studies have shown injection drug abuse as the major risk factor. Similarly, there is an increasing incidence of cases of IE caused by unusual microorganisms. Identification of the microbe responsible for IE is critical in deciding the best treatment. Here we report three cases of IE caused by unusual organisms.