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

ABSTRACT

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.