Final answer:
The three major criteria for endocarditis are bacteremia, damages to heart valves, and clinical symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three major criteria for endocarditis are:
- Bacteremia: Pathogens enter the bloodstream through sources such as dental procedures, body piercings, and wounds.
- Damages to heart valves: The immune response causes fibrosis of heart valves, leading to their damage.
- Clinical symptoms: These include fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a dry cough.
Endocarditis can be caused by various bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp., which can infect the endocardium and cause inflammation.