[Infectious endocarditis in injection drug users. Part 1. Etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features]

Clinical features of infectious endocarditis (IE) in injection drug users are described with reference to its etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. The prevalence of IE among different age groups of drug addicts and frequency of its most common etiological variants depending on microflora composition are analysed. Clinical manifestations of IE are considered. A major concern being diagnosis of IE, the most widely used diagnostic criteria and laboratory/instrumental diagnostic tools are discussed. The priority of antibacterial therapy of IE is emphasized and its rational schemes are proposed.