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Showing posts with the label heart pathology

subacute bacterial endocarditis

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Subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE) is a type of infectious endocarditis, which is an infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocardium) and heart valves. SBE is characterized by a slower, more insidious onset compared to acute bacterial endocarditis. It is typically caused by certain bacteria that are less virulent and more likely to be present in the bloodstream due to a low-grade infection elsewhere in the body. If left untreated, SBE can lead to severe complications and damage to the heart valves. Here are the key aspects of subacute bacterial endocarditis: **1. Causative Organisms:**    - SBE is primarily caused by bacteria from the viridans group, including Streptococcus viridans, as well as other less virulent bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis.    - These bacteria are part of the normal flora found in the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. **2. Predisposing Factors:**    - Certain conditions or medical procedures can increase the risk of d

rheumatic heart disease

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Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a condition that results from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease caused by an immune response to a group A Streptococcus infection, typically strep throat. RHD primarily affects the heart valves, leading to damage and dysfunction. The pathology of RHD involves several stages, each contributing to the progression of the disease. Let's explore the key pathological aspects of rheumatic heart disease: **1. Initial Group A Streptococcus Infection:**    - The pathology of rheumatic heart disease begins with an infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. This bacterium can cause a range of illnesses, including strep throat and scarlet fever.    - In some individuals, the immune system mounts an abnormal response to the bacterial infection, leading to the development of rheumatic fever. **2. Rheumatic Fever:**    - Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune response triggered by the group A Streptococcus infection.    - During this phase,