What are adhesins and how do they contribute to endocardial infection?
Adhesins are molecules that allow bacteria to attach to a host cell or substrate. In the case of endocardial infection, adhesins enable Gram-positive cocci to adhere to the damaged or denuded endothelium of the heart, serving as a virulence factor that facilitates colonization and propagation of infection. Adhesins also enhance the host cell/substrate attachments that are important for the initiation and progression of endocardial infection. 