Staphylococcal infective endocarditis.

Staphylococcus aureus causes an acute endocarditis, often involving previously normal valves. The criteria used for diagnosis of subacute bacterial endocarditis are frequency absent, and distinguishing acute endocarditis from bacteremia without valvular involvement is difficult. In vitro studies, including teichoic acid antibody assay and bactericidal tolerance, have been developed to aid in making the diagnosis and planning the treatment. Cases of native valve, prosthetic valve, and addict-associated endocarditis are considered separately because of differences in prognosis and approach. Use of two synergistic antibiotics has not been proved clinically superior to use one agent, and surgical intervention during treatment may be necessary in some cases. Despite prompt treatment recognition of complications, the morbidity and mortality associated with this infection remain high.