Porcine Valvular Endocarditis Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Valvular endocarditis (VE) is an inflammation of the cardiac endocardium affecting heart valves, characterized by formation of vegetative lesions composed of fibrin, platelets, inflammatory cells, and bacteria. In swine, this condition is commonly referred to as vegetative valvular endocarditis (VVE) and represents a significant cause of morbidity, mortality, and carcass condemnation at slaughter. The disease typically affects the left atrioventricular (mitral) valve and is a common sequela of systemic bacterial infections.

Porcine valvular endocarditis is most frequently caused by Streptococcus suis and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, the causative agent of swine erysipelas. Understanding the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management of this condition is essential for NAVLE success and clinical practice in swine medicine.

Etiology

Porcine valvular endocarditis is caused by bacteria that establish persistent or transient bacteremia, allowing colonization of damaged or susceptible valve endothelium. The two most common causative organisms account for over 80% of cases.