Unveiling the Knowledge Gap Regarding Standard Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Infective Endocarditis Among Physicians, Dentists and Cardiologists in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION

Infective endocarditis is a microbial infection of the endocardial surface of the native and prosthetic valves. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge regarding the current guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis for infective endocarditis.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians, cardiologists, and dentists in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The questionnaire was distributed as Google Forms among the required population, and responses were collected on a Google Response Sheet.

RESULTS

The participants viewed rheumatic heart disease (83.7%) and heart transplant (96.7%) as the most vulnerable conditions that warrant the need for antibiotic prophylaxis. The other questions yielded average responses.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study emphasize the importance of adhering to standard guidelines and highlight the need for knowledge of the current guidelines.