1 Exotoxins are proteins released by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. 2  all major Gram-positives produce exotoxin. 3  except Listeria monocytogenes (produces endotoxin). 4  exotoxins are not heat stable.
Endocarditis (EN-do-kar-DI-tis) is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. This lining is called the endocardium (en-do-KAR-de-um). The condition also is called infective endocarditis (IE). The term endocarditis also is used to describe an inflammation of the endocardium due to other conditions. This article only discusses endocarditis related to infection. IE occurs if bacteria, fungi, or other germs invade your bloodstream and attach to abnormal areas of your heart.
Endocarditis is an infection of the valves of your heart that can also cause aortic regurgitation. Although rare, syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, can also damage your heart valves. Even more rare, heart valve damage is also a side effect of a disorder of the spine called ankylosing spondylitis.