What is the first line treatment for Infective Endocarditis?

The first-line treatment for infective endocarditis is a prolonged course of bactericidal antibiotics. This approach is essential because infective endocarditis is typically caused by bacterial infections that adhere to the heart valves or other endocardial surfaces. The choice of bactericidal antibiotics is crucial because they work by killing the bacteria rather than merely inhibiting their growth.

The duration of treatment usually extends to several weeks, as the infection can be difficult to eradicate and may form vegetations that are not easily penetrated by the immune system or antibiotics alone. This prolonged therapy helps ensure complete resolution of the infection, reduces the risk of complications, and addresses the specific pathogen responsible for the condition, often guided by blood cultures.

Other options, such as oral antibiotics, surgical interventions, or corticosteroids, are not primary treatments for this condition. While surgery may be necessary in certain cases, particularly for patients with severe heart failure or persistent infection despite antibiotic therapy, it is not the first-line treatment. Similarly, while oral antibiotics can be effective for mild infections, they are not adequate for the often severe and systemic nature of infective endocarditis. Intravenous steroids are not part of the standard treatment protocol for this condition, as they might suppress the immune