Bloodstream Infections and Infective Endocarditis

These flashcards summarize critical terms and definitions related to bloodstream infections and infective endocarditis, providing a useful study aid for students preparing for exams.

Bloodstream Infection (BSI)

An infection that occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the bloodstream.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

A type of bacteria resistant to several antibiotics, known for causing bloodstream infections.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PsA)

A common gram-negative bacterium that can cause infections in humans, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Infective Endocarditis (IE)

An infection of the inner lining of the heart, typically involving heart valves.

Gram-positive cocci (GPC)

A category of bacteria that retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure, typically associated with infections.

Gram-negative rods (GNR)

A classification of bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain, important in many infections.

Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI)

A bloodstream infection that occurs in a patient with an indwelling catheter.

Empiric Therapy

Treatment initiated based on the probable cause of infection before specific culture results are available.

Daptomycin

An antibiotic used to treat serious infections caused by certain bacteria, including MRSA.

Native Valve Endocarditis (NVE)

Infective endocarditis occurring in a native, or previously undamaged, heart valve.

Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis (PVE)

Infective endocarditis that occurs on a prosthetic heart valve.

Osler Nodes

Painful lesions found on the fingers and toes, often associated with infective endocarditis.

Roth Spots

Retinal findings with hemorrhage and pale centers, associated with infective endocarditis.

Modified Duke Criteria

A set of clinical criteria used to diagnose infective endocarditis based on major and minor criteria.

Candidemia

The presence of Candida species in the bloodstream, often necessitating antifungal therapy.

Polymicrobial Infection

A type of infection caused by two or more different microorganisms.

Antimicrobial Stewardship

Efforts to optimize the use of antimicrobials to combat antibiotic resistance and improve patient outcomes.

Empiric Broad Antimicrobial Therapy

An initial treatment approach that utilizes broad-spectrum antibiotics to cover a range of possible pathogens.

Culture-Sensitive Testing

Laboratory procedures to identify specific pathogens and determine their susceptibility to various antibiotics.