Bacterial Endocarditis (BE)

Bacterial endocarditis (BE) or Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare infection caused by bacteria lodged on heart valves. Acute BE is characterized by chills, fever, increased heart rate, fatigue, painful muscles and joints, persistent cough, and swollen abdomen, legs, or feet. The symptoms for chronic BE are similar but the duration is extended to several months and the condition becomes worse with the presentation of anemia. Patients are usually treated with high doses of antibiotics for two to six weeks.