What condition involves an infection of the heart valves caused by bacteria?

The condition characterized by an infection of the heart valves due to bacteria is known as infective endocarditis. This serious medical issue arises when pathogens enter the bloodstream, typically through invasive procedures, and attach themselves to damaged areas of the heart valves, leading to inflammation and potential complications like abscess formation or embolism.

Infective endocarditis often presents with symptoms such as fever, heart murmurs, and signs of embolism, which can affect various organs. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to manage the infection and prevent severe outcomes such as heart failure or systemic infection.

Other conditions mentioned do not involve infection of the heart valves by bacteria. Pericarditis involves inflammation of the pericardial sac surrounding the heart, myocarditis relates to inflammation of the heart muscle itself, and endomyocardial fibrosis is a rare condition characterized by thickening of the heart muscle and associated with poor heart function, rather than a bacterial infection of valves. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why infective endocarditis is the correct answer.