Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Pneumococcal endocarditis

M Wolff, B Regnier, S Witchitz

    European Heart Journal
    |October 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    Streptococcus pneumoniae infective endocarditis is a severe condition, often presenting with meningitis and leading to significant heart damage. Prompt surgical intervention is crucial, but high mortality rates persist, largely due to associated meningitis.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Neurology

    Background:

    • Native valve infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious infection affecting heart valves.
    • Streptococcus pneumoniae is an uncommon but virulent cause of IE.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analyze the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with native valve IE caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
    • To identify factors contributing to the high mortality in this patient group.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective analysis of 369 patients with native valve IE over 14 years.
    • Detailed review of clinical data, including presentation, complications, treatment, and outcomes for 17 patients with S. pneumoniae IE.

    Main Results:

    • S. pneumoniae IE occurred in 17 patients, with a notable increase in recent years.
    • Purulent meningitis was a frequent complication (13 patients), often associated with coma.
    • Congestive heart failure and significant valve damage (aortic and mitral) were common.
    • Myocardial abscesses occurred in 7 patients.
    • Overall mortality was high at 59%, with meningitis being a primary driver.

    Conclusions:

    • S. pneumoniae IE presents with severe complications, including meningitis and extensive cardiac damage.
    • Despite antibiotic effectiveness, anatomical lesions necessitate prompt surgical intervention.
    • High mortality underscores the critical role of meningitis in outcomes and the need for aggressive management strategies.

    More Related Videos

    Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling08:25

    Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling

    Published on: April 7, 2015

    Pneumococcus Infection of Primary Human Endothelial Cells in Constant Flow09:34

    Pneumococcus Infection of Primary Human Endothelial Cells in Constant Flow

    Published on: October 31, 2019

    Related Concept Videos

    Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

    Pneumonia I: Introduction

    Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
    Risk Factors
    Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
    Endocarditis I: Introduction01:25

    Endocarditis I: Introduction

    Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
    Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

    Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

    Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
    Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

    Endocarditis III: Medical Management

    Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
    Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management01:29

    Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management

    Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
    Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

    Pneumonia I: Introduction

    Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...