Which organism is currently the most common cause of native valve infective endocarditis overall?

• A Staphylococcus aureus ✓
• B Viridans group streptococci
• C Enterococcus faecalis
• D Coagulase-negative staphylococci

Explanation

Staphylococcus aureus has overtaken viridans streptococci as the leading cause of native valve infective endocarditis in most series, reflecting rising healthcare-associated exposure, intravenous drug use and indwelling devices. Viridans streptococci remain the classic organism of subacute, community-acquired, dental-source endocarditis but are now second. Coagulase-negative staphylococci dominate only early prosthetic valve infection.

Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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