In simple words: Listerial endocarditis is a heart infection caused by bacteria found in contaminated food. It can cause fever, shortness of breath, tiredness, and heart problems. Doctors treat it with antibiotics, and sometimes surgery is needed.

Listerial endocarditis is a rare but serious infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart, caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes.This bacterium is typically ingested through contaminated food.Symptoms can include fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, lesions on the palms and soles, neck stiffness, retinal bleeding, and irregular heartbeat.Diagnosis involves evaluating symptoms, exposure history, physical examination, blood cultures, and echocardiography.Treatment typically involves a prolonged course of antibiotics, and in severe cases, heart valve replacement surgery may be necessary.

Example 1: A 65-year-old patient with a prosthetic heart valve presents with fever, chills, and fatigue. Blood cultures reveal Listeria monocytogenes, and an echocardiogram confirms endocarditis. The patient is treated with intravenous antibiotics for six weeks., A pregnant woman in her third trimester develops fever, shortness of breath, and an irregular heartbeat.Blood tests and imaging reveal listerial endocarditis.She is hospitalized and receives intravenous antibiotics to manage the infection and protect the fetus., An 80-year-old immunocompromised patient develops fever and a new heart murmur after consuming contaminated deli meat.Listerial endocarditis is diagnosed, and the patient undergoes heart valve replacement surgery followed by a course of antibiotics.

Documentation for A32.82 should include: 1. Positive blood cultures identifying Listeria monocytogenes. 2. Echocardiographic findings confirming endocarditis (e.g., vegetations, abscesses). 3. Clinical presentation, including signs and symptoms such as fever, heart murmur, and embolic events. 4. Treatment plan, including antibiotic therapy and any surgical interventions.