Infective Endocarditis

A 60-year-old woman with a history of mitral valve prolapse presents with fever, night sweats, and weight loss over the past month. On examination, her temperature is 38.2C, heart rate is 95 bpm, and a new diastolic murmur is heard. Blood cultures are pending. An echocardiogram reveals vegetations on the mitral valve.

What is the next best step in the management of this patient?

A 70-year-old male with a prosthetic aortic valve presents with fever and malaise. Blood cultures are positive for Staphylococcus epidermidis. An echocardiogram shows vegetations on the prosthetic valve and periannular abscess formation.

What is the most appropriate management for this patient?

A 35-year-old man presents with fever, joint pain, and petechiae on his lower extremities. He has a history of rheumatic heart disease. On examination, he has a temperature of 38.3C and a systolic murmur consistent with mitral regurgitation. Blood cultures grow Streptococcus viridans. An echocardiogram shows vegetations on the mitral valve.

What is the recommended duration of antibiotic therapy for this patient?

A 50-year-old woman presents with persistent fever, fatigue, and splenomegaly. She has a history of bicuspid aortic valve. Blood cultures are negative, but an echocardiogram shows vegetations on the aortic valve. A diagnosis of culture-negative endocarditis is made.

What is the most likely cause of culture-negative endocarditis in this patient?

A 45-year-old male presents to the emergency department with fever, chills, and malaise for the past two weeks. He has a history of intravenous drug use. On examination, his temperature is 38.5C, heart rate is 100 bpm, and he has a new systolic murmur. Blood cultures are positive for Staphylococcus aureus. An echocardiogram reveals vegetations on the tricuspid valve.

What is the most appropriate initial antibiotic regimen for this patient?