Final answer:
Antibiotic prophylaxis is reasonable in a patient at high risk for infective endocarditis. Treatments for infective endocarditis often involve a combination of antibiotics based on the specific type of endocarditis. Diagnosis is determined through blood cultures, echocardiograms, and clinical symptoms. The American Heart Association recommends prophylactic antibiotics for individuals at high risk for reinfection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antibiotic prophylaxis is reasonable in a patient at high risk for infective endocarditis. Infective endocarditis is often treated with a combination of ampicillin, nafcillin, and gentamicin for synergistic coverage of Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. Prosthetic-valve endocarditis is often treated with a combination of vancomycin, rifampin, and gentamicin. Diagnosis of infective endocarditis is determined using the combination of blood cultures, echocardiogram, and clinical symptoms. In both acute and subacute endocarditis, treatment typically involves relatively high doses of intravenous antibiotics as determined by antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The American Heart Association recommends prophylactic antibiotic treatment for individuals at high risk for reinfection.