[Epidemiology of infectious endocarditis]

The incidence of infective endocarditis (20 to 160 cases per million inhabitants yearly) increases with age; it does not seem to be decreasing over time. There is no previously known heart disease in 30% of the patients, a native valve disease in 30 to 60%, a prosthetic valve in 15-20%. Streptococci remain the leading microorganisms. Digestive streptococci and staphylococci are increasing. Iatrogenic portals of entry are in progression. During the hospital stay, case fatality ratio varies from 13 to 20%. After endocarditis, the patient remains at risk of late cardiac surgery and of recurrence. Survival after 5 years is approximately 85%.