The epidemiology of infective endocarditis

Objective - The incidence of infective endocarditis seems stable. A study w as made made to better understand the demographic, microbiological, and evo lutive characteristics of this disease. Material and methods - The comprehensive survey was carried out between 199 2 and 1998, in a department of internal medecine, infectious, and tropical diseases. Sixty-six cases of infective endocarditis were analyzed and compa red with the epidemiologic profile used in the study performed for the 1992 consensus conference on the prophylaxis of infective endocarditis. Results - The proportion of stahylococcal infection is more and more import ant. The protocols for prevention of infectious endocarditis could be no mo re valid: they are prescribed in order to prevent streptoccal infections. Comments - New guidelines for the prevention of infecious endocarditis shou ld be discussed. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.