Despite recent advances in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, the mortality of infective endocarditis remains high, with more than one-third of patients affected dying within a year following diagnosis (1, 2). Identification of the specific underlying microbial etiology is essential for optimal patient management; delays in microbial diagnosis may contribute to late initiation of effective antimicrobial therapy, influencing morbidity and mortality. The modified Duke criteria provide a basic scheme for diagnosis and definition of endocarditis and rely on detection of infecting microorganisms in addition to echocardiographic and clinical findings (1, 3). The finding of two (or more) blood cultures positive for a typical microorganism consistent with infective endocarditis is a major criterion for infective endocarditis as is positive Q fever serology (anti-phase I IgG titer of ≥1:800). Echocardiographic findings are also considered but are beyond the scope of the manuscript.
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