Paper I
Question
Commonest agent causing above condition
Answer
- [x] d) Viridans Streptococci
Viridans streptococci (e.g., Streptococcus mitis, S. sanguinis) are the commonest cause of subacute native-valve infective endocarditis, typically arising from transient bacteraemia following dental procedures/poor oral hygiene, given their normal residence in the oral flora and their affinity for previously damaged/abnormal heart valves. Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus agalactiae are not typical causes of endocarditis; Streptococcus pneumoniae can rarely cause an acute, aggressive endocarditis but is not the commonest overall cause.