Final answer:
The most affected demographic for right-sided infective endocarditis are intravenous drug users. Diagnosis is through blood cultures and an echocardiogram, while signs and symptoms include fever and heart murmur. Treatment often involves intravenous antibiotics and possibly surgery for valve repair.
Step-by-step explanation:
Right-sided infective endocarditis (IE) typically affects the tricuspid valve in the heart, and the most common demographic affected includes individuals who use intravenous drugs. The signs and symptoms (S&Sx) can vary but often include fever, heart murmur, and the presence of skin lesions such as Osler's nodes or Janeway lesions. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through blood cultures for bacteria and an echocardiogram to visualize the heart and any vegetations on the valves.
Acute endocarditis requires prompt, aggressive antibiotic treatment based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing due to the rapid progression that may lead to severe complications or death within days without treatment. Subacute bacterial endocarditis progresses more slowly, often over months, and can be associated with symptoms like intermittent fever and fatigue.
Those with existing heart damage or prosthetic valves are at an increased risk of developing IE. As part of the management, the type of bacteria causing the infection dictates the antibiotic regimen, and surgery may be necessary for those with severe valve damage.