Endocarditis is an infection of the tissues that line the heart chambers and cover the heart valves. Endocarditis can be caused by bacteria (certain types of germs) getting into the blood stream and infecting the heart lining and valve covering as the bacteria-laden blood is circulated through the heart. The body's own defense systems do not work as well in the heart as they do in other parts of the body. As this type of endocarditis is caused by bacteria, it is called bacterial endocarditis.

When the heart valves are not normal, they become more likely to develop this infection. Why this occurs is not fully known; however, years of experience have demonstrated that people with certain heart valve abnormalities are more likely to get endocarditis than those without valvular abnormalities if their blood contains enough of the bacteria that can cause this infection.

Different kinds of bacteria normally are found in all people's mouths, rectal areas, and in the tube through which they urinate ("urethra"). Normally only a small number of these bacteria get through the tissue barriers in those areas and enter the blood stream, usually only for a short period of time. In these situations, the body's own defense system destroys the bacteria before they can do any harm to the body.

Endocarditis is an infection of the heart's valves or its inner lining (endocardium). It is most common in people who have a damaged, diseased, or artificial heart valve.

The main difference between these two categories of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is what causes them -- bacterial STDs are caused by bacteria and viral STDs are caused by viruses. As a result of being caused by different microorganisms, bacterial and viral STDs vary in their treatment. Bacterial STDs, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia, are often cured with antibiotics.

Orchids benefit from fresh air circulation. In their natural habitat, orchids get excellent air circulation, which helps prevent bacterial and fungal diseases. Avoid cold drafts from coming in contact with the plants as well.

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of one or more types of bacteria, including Gardnerella (also called Haemophilus) vaginalis, Mycoplasma species, and Mobilincus species. Symptoms include an unpleasant or fishy odor; increased vaginal discharge; or itching, burning, and redness in the vaginal area. Bacterial vaginosis has been found to be prevalent among African American women, and treatment options include topical applications or oral antibiotics.

Topical antibiotics result in such minimal levels of medication in the bloodstream, if any, that there is virtually no risk of developing bacterial resistance at sites other than where the topical antibiotic is being applied. A version of an oral antibiotic with less risk of microbial resistance has been developed specifically for rosacea.

Endocarditis is caused by bacteria (or rarely, fungi) that enter the bloodstream and settle on the inside of the heart, usually on the heart valves. Bacteria can invade your bloodstream in many ways, including during some dental and surgical procedures. Having your teeth cleaned or even brushing your teeth can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream if you don't take proper care of your teeth.1

Tell all health professionals who treat you that you are at risk for endocarditis before you have any medical, dental, or surgical procedures. You may need to take antibiotics before having dental work or oral surgery. Maintaining good oral hygiene is especially important to prevent endocarditis if you are at risk. You may also need to take antibiotics before other surgeries, including stomach, intestinal, prostate, or gallbladder surgery.

First, your doctor will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. If your doctor thinks that you may have endocarditis, he or she will check for signs of the infection, such as a heart murmur, an enlarged spleen, skin rashes, and bleeding under your nails. Blood cultures will be done to check for bacteria in your bloodstream, and other tests, such as an echocardiogram, may be done to check your heart function.

It is unknown exactly why antibiotics work against rosacea, but it is widely believed that it is due to their anti-inflammatory properties, rather than their bacteria-fighting capabilities.

Entire books are written on the treatment of endocarditis, meningitis, urinary tract infection, bacterial pneumonia and other generic infections. This is well beyond the scope of GIDEON. The best source for this type of material has always been standard texts and review articles. The Clinical Notes in GIDEON do provide links to major journal reviews, including diagnosis and treatment of endocarditis, etc.

The most efficient method to treat bacterial and fungal disease is the regular use of a systemic agent such as Phyton 27. The agent will be absorbed by the roots of the plant and then carried throughout the plant. Once the Phyton 27 is absorbed by the plant it will remain in the plant~s system for months.