Endocarditis
Endocarditis
CL, endocarditis is of course the general category of infections that attack the heart. Almost any bacterial infection and some fungal infections can be the source. As you mentioned, one of the most common routes for infection is dental work, however, any infective organism that can enter the blood stream can be a source. Strep bacteria can certainly be a source. As well, staph bacteria are also a major source. Strep and Staph are just major classes of bacteria and each class contains thousands of species which can only be identified by lab tests. But, other non-staph/non-strep oranisims such as fungi can also cause such infections. This is why infections cannot be allowed to develop untreated. If you get an infection, or you know you have been exposed to a highly contagious infection, it needs to be reported to your Doctor so treatment can begin before damage is done.
As to which valve may be damaged?
All heart valves can be damaged or degraded. You need to consider that infective organisms tend to attack damaged tissue. The attachment points of all types of valves have been damaged and can be infected more easily. In addition, tissue valves such as porcine valves and bio-prosthetics such as bovine pericardial valves may themselves be damaged. Having a mechanical valve does not preclude some of these organisms from growing on its surface and degrading its performance even though the material of the valve itself is undamaged. This called "
vegetation" and does itself pose a potential problem because it can break off and induce cavitation, strokes and embolisms.
Fortunately, at present, this remains a potential problem and a source of concern but does not appear to be something that large numbers of us experience. As well, a bout of endocarditis does not mean that the heart (or valve) are certain to suffer permanent damage. Like most everything, there is a lot of variation some will experience a little damage while others a lot. Ignoring prophylaxis before dental work (a big dose of anti-biotic taken just before) or failing to treat common infections will leave one more exposed to endocarditis. As you would expect, repeated bouts of endocarditis are more likely to cause permanent damage and even make another valve replacement necessary. An infection may seem trivial and, before heart damage and valve replacement, could be ignored if it didn't worsen. After the damage done by the failing valve and the surgical replacement of the valve, you ignore infections at your own expense.
So....it is important to recognize the symptoms. Not everyone will experience every symptom listed but the first four are the most common. The Mayo Clinic provides this list and advice:
Fever
Chills
A new or changed heart murmur — abnormal heart sounds made by blood rushing through your heart
Fatigue
Aching joints and muscles
Night sweats
Shortness of breath
Paleness
Persistent cough
Swelling in your feet, legs or abdomen
Unexplained weight loss
Blood in your urine (either visible or found in a doctor's viewing of your urine under a microscope)
Tenderness in your spleen — an infection-fighting abdominal organ on your left side, just below your rib cage
Osler's nodes — red, tender spots under the skin of your fingers
Petechiae (puh-TEE-key-e) — tiny purple or red spots on the skin, whites of your eyes or inside your mouth
When to see a doctor: If you develop signs or symptoms of endocarditis, see your doctor right away — especially if you have risk factors for this serious infection, such as a heart defect or a previous case of endocarditis.
Although less serious conditions can cause similar signs and symptoms, you won't know for sure until you're evaluated.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endocarditis/basics/symptoms/con-20022403
