Final answer:
Endocarditis can be caused by various bacteria, notably gram-positive cocci and HACEK bacilli, and is diagnosed with blood cultures, echocardiogram, and clinical symptoms. It's crucial to treat with appropriate antibiotics to prevent severe heart valve damage or death.
Step-by-step explanation:
Microorganisms responsible for causing endocarditis include a variety of bacteria, most notably gram-positive cocci such as Staphylococcus aureus, viridans streptococci, and Enterococcus faecalis. Additionally, gram-negative HACEK bacilli, like Haemophilus spp., Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Cardiobacterium hominis, Eikenella corrodens, and Kingella kingae can also cause endocarditis. The diagnosis of infective endocarditis typically involves blood cultures, an echocardiogram, and clinical symptoms. Treatment often requires intravenous antibiotics.
Endocarditis is especially dangerous in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, prosthetic components, or a history of rheumatic fever, as these factors increase susceptibility to this serious infection. If left untreated, endocarditis can rapidly destroy heart valves and lead to death in a matter of days.