Q; In recent years prophylaxis for infective endocarditis has been curtailed down significantly  prior to various dental, urologic, gastrointestinal and invasive procedures. What is the reason behind it?

Answer:  In experimental animals as well as long term studies have shown that it is almost impossible to induce/have endocarditis unless the valvular endocardium is first damaged. Endocardial injury is the 101 requisite to develop infective endocarditis. Without any previous history of endocarditis or evidence of congenital or acquired endocardial lesions, prophylaxis is usually not recommended.

Please refer elsewhere to see guidelines from various societies in this regard.