Prevention of Viridans Group Streptococcal Infective Endocarditis

Published: April 15, 2021

Close up of young black man in dentist chair smiling at his doctor.
  • This update addresses the impact of the major changes made in 2007 infective endocarditis (IE) Guideline: What was the acceptance of and compliance with recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) for those who undergo a dental procedure? Was there an increased incidence of viridians group streptococci (VGS) infective endocarditis (IE)? Were the recommendations from the guideline valid and should they be revised?
  • Although research shows that there is awareness of the recommendations in the Prevention of Infective Endocarditis: A Guideline from the American Heart Association. Circulation 2007, compliance with the recommendations has been variable.
  • Since the 2007 AHA guidelines, there is no convincing evidence of an increased frequency of or morbidity FROM VGS IE in patients with low/moderate or high risk of adverse outcome FROM VGS IE.

Prevention of Viridans Group Streptococcal Infective Endocarditis

Coauthors from the writing group for "Prevention of Viridans Group Streptococcal Infective Endocarditis" discuss the key takeaway messages for this new scientific statement from the American Heart Association.