Endocarditis, or infective endocarditis, occurs when the inner lining of the heart (the endocardium) or the heart’s valves become infected by bacteria or other germs. The bacteria that cause endocarditis typically spread through the bloodstream from the mouth, from infected foreign bodies such as needles, or from another part of the body to the heart.
Endocarditis is more likely to affect those who have a previously damaged heart valve, an artificial heart valve or other heart disease or congenital defects. It can occur in people with otherwise healthy hearts as well.
Endocarditis may occur in children who are born with a heart defect. It tends to occur in association with some congenital heart conditions, such as aortic stenosis or patent ductus arteriosus, more than with others.