Infective endocarditis (IE) is described in the packet as an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers (the endocardium) and the heart valves. The definition distinguishes it from non-infective endocarditis. It is attributed to bacteria, fungi, or other germs that invade the bloodstream and attach to the heart, and the packet notes that it can damage the heart and cause serious and sometimes fatal complications.

The packet definition describes fever and other flu-like symptoms as common, while noting that signs and symptoms can vary and that the condition can also cause problems in many parts of the body besides the heart. No structured phenotype list with frequencies is certified in this packet, so further symptom detail is not available here.

According to the packet definition, IE is caused by bacteria, fungi, or other germs entering the bloodstream and attaching to the heart. It is described as developing quickly or slowly depending on the type of germ and on whether an underlying heart problem is present. The packet lists no associated genes and no inheritance pattern. Listed subtypes include subacute bacterial endocarditis, bacterial endocarditis, and mycotic endocarditis.

No diagnostic methods or criteria are certified in this packet. The definition only notes that infective endocarditis is distinguished from non-infective endocarditis.

The packet definition states that IE is typically treated with antibiotics for several weeks, and that some individuals may need heart surgery to repair or replace heart valves or to remove infected heart tissue. The FDA records in the packet list three products with active market status: Zevtera (ceftobiprole medocaril sodium; NDA approval 2024-04-03), vancomycin hydrochloride (NDA approval 2023-01-20), and Tyzavan (vancomycin; NDA approval 2019-02-15). Their approved indications are not stated in the packet. Calpurbatug (Trellis Bioscience Inc.) carries an orphan drug designation for the treatment of infective endocarditis; a designation is not an approval.

The packet describes IE as able to damage the heart and cause serious and sometimes fatal complications. Natural history, survival, and outcome data are not certified in this packet.

ClinicalTrials.gov records in the packet include a phase 3 trial from Nantes University Hospital comparing a rifampin-free regimen with a rifampin-containing regimen in staphylococcal prosthetic valve endocarditis (NCT07345325, recruiting), a phase 2 oritavancin trial for serious cardiac infections sponsored by the Kirby Institute (NCT07550595, not yet recruiting), and the Barts Endocarditis Research Registry (NCT06434012, recruiting). Trial titles describe study questions and do not indicate results.