Infection of the endocardium or prosthetic surfaces in the heart, if ineffectively treated, is associated with severe complications and a high mortality. In this Review, Karl Werdan and colleagues summarize the pathogen–host interactions and mechanisms of increased risk in patients with infective endocarditis, including immunosenescence in elderly patients, and the transition from local infection to systemic sepsis and shock.
- Karl Werdan
- Sebastian Dietz
- Ursula Müller-Werdan
