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

Abstract

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.

Keywords::

• bacilli
• endocarditis
• Gram-negative
• HACEK
• management
• recommendations

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.