In addition to bacteria, which organisms are mentioned as possible causes of endocarditis?

In addition to bacteria, which organisms are mentioned as possible causes of endocarditis?

• A. Fungi and viruses
• B. Protozoa
• C. Bacteria only
• D. Algae

Answer: (A)

Endocarditis is most often caused by bacteria, but other microorganisms can also be responsible for infection of the heart valves. Fungi are a recognized non-bacterial cause of endocarditis, with Candida and Aspergillus among the classic culprits, especially in patients with prosthetic valves or prolonged IV therapy. Viruses can also be involved, though much less commonly, in endocarditis or endocardial involvement. Algae are not typically implicated as pathogens in endocarditis, and protozoa are exceedingly rare compared with fungi and viruses in this context. So, the combination of fungi and viruses best reflects the non-bacterial organisms that can be mentioned as possible causes.

Endocarditis is most often caused by bacteria, but other microorganisms can also be responsible for infection of the heart valves. Fungi are a recognized non-bacterial cause of endocarditis, with Candida and Aspergillus among the classic culprits, especially in patients with prosthetic valves or prolonged IV therapy. Viruses can also be involved, though much less commonly, in endocarditis or endocardial involvement. Algae are not typically implicated as pathogens in endocarditis, and protozoa are exceedingly rare compared with fungi and viruses in this context. So, the combination of fungi and viruses best reflects the non-bacterial organisms that can be mentioned as possible causes.