“Can symptoms of endocarditis come and go?”

Infection of the heart valves is serious and needs to be followed up closely by a cardiologist. Can be treated by antibiotics initially, however, if it persists, may need valve replacement.

Endocarditis has variable features. Endocarditis may be subacute, indolent, asymptotic in some, but nevertheless persistent and progressive. Or endocarditis may be acute and quickly threatening. The actual bacterial species matters. Staphylococcal endocarditis may have a staphylococcal epidermis species which is more indolent and less symptom producing. Or staphylococcal endocarditis may have a staphylococcal aureus species which is more aggressive and virulent and complication producing. Streptococcal endocarditis has various species also with either less virulent features or more aggressive virulence. So, yes. Endocarditis has variations depending upon the actual bacteria involved and which valve is involved as well. In all cases, prolonged antibiotic courses are essential.

Rex Mahnensmith, MD