Microbial Pathogenesis & Infectious Diseases

Cardiac Infections

Endocarditis is defined by the swelling of the inner lining of the heart. Endocarditis caused by bacterial or fungal attachment and infection by means of developing vegetation, is therefore termed infective endocarditis. Endocardium does not receive a direct blood supply by capillaries or any blood vessels. Blood will usually flow smoothly past the inner linings of the heart, but many things can cause attachment of microbes causing endocarditis. For example, any diseases that cause harm or result in abnormal valves, will allow the microbes that come through to attach more easily.