ABSTRACT. This paper tries to emphasize why endocarditis definitions, diagnostic criteria and therapy need to be improved. First, we have summarized briefly the present data on endocarditis epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment. The paper will focus on contemporary problems related to native and prosthetic valve endocarditis. Every issue highlights at the end future perspectives that may improve disease prognosis and mortality. pp. 53–64

Keywords: native and prosthetic valve endocarditis; disease prognosis; mortality

How to cite: Baluta, Monica M., and Marius M. Vintila (2014), "Infective Endocarditis – A Continuous Challenge," American Journal of Medical Research 1(1): 53–64.