Which organisms can cause infective endocarditis?

Which organisms can cause infective endocarditis?

• A. Fungi, viruses, or other non-bacterial agents
• B. Only bacteria
• C. Only viruses
• D. Only fungi

Answer: (A)

Infective endocarditis can be caused by a range of pathogens, not just bacteria. While bacteria are the most common culprits, fungi can also invade heart valves and cause IE, especially in people with prosthetic valves, immune suppression, or repeated bloodstream infections. There are even rare cases where non-bacterial agents, including certain viruses, have been associated with endocarditis. Because the condition isn’t limited to bacteria, the statement that fungi, viruses, or other non-bacterial agents can cause infective endocarditis best reflects the real spectrum of possible etiologies. The other options are too narrow, excluding these non-bacterial possibilities.

Infective endocarditis can be caused by a range of pathogens, not just bacteria. While bacteria are the most common culprits, fungi can also invade heart valves and cause IE, especially in people with prosthetic valves, immune suppression, or repeated bloodstream infections. There are even rare cases where non-bacterial agents, including certain viruses, have been associated with endocarditis. Because the condition isn’t limited to bacteria, the statement that fungi, viruses, or other non-bacterial agents can cause infective endocarditis best reflects the real spectrum of possible etiologies. The other options are too narrow, excluding these non-bacterial possibilities.