Prophylaxis of infective endocarditis during colonoscopy: report of a survey

Ninety-eight directors of infectious disease training programs responded to a questionnaire about bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis for susceptible patients during colonoscopy. Although 54% recommended a penicillin and an aminoglycoside, antibiotics commonly used to protect against the enterococcus, there are no published data to support the use of prophylaxis. Most directors of gastrointestinal training programs do not routinely use antibiotic prophylaxis during colonoscopy. If antibiotics are chosen, they should include a penicillin and an aminoglycoside or vancomycin (alone or with aminoglycoside) at the dosage schedule suggested by the American Heart Association Committee.