Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chronic bacterial infection of the endocardium and heart valves: "Subacute bacterial endocarditis" is a specific medical term for a long-lasting infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocardium) and its valves, caused by bacteria. The symptoms of this condition develop gradually over time.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient was diagnosed with subacute bacterial endocarditis after presenting with a persistent fever and fatigue.
  • Antibiotic therapy is the primary treatment for subacute bacterial endocarditis.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often abbreviated as SBE in medical charts and discussions.
  • The doctor noted a history of SBE in the patient's file.

Variants and Related Words

• Endocarditis (n): Inflammation of the endocardium. "Subacute bacterial endocarditis" is a specific type of endocarditis.
• Acute bacterial endocarditis (n): A more severe, rapidly developing form of bacterial endocarditis.

Synonyms

• Infective endocarditis (n): A broader term for endocarditis caused by an infection, which includes both acute and subacute forms.

Noun

1. a chronic bacterial infection of the endocardium and heart valves; symptoms develop slowly