What is the most common cause of bacterial endocarditis in a patient with previously damaged or prosthetic heart valves?
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Correct answer: Viridans group Streptococci
Viridans streptococci are normal inhabitants of the oral cavity and are the most frequent cause of subacute bacterial endocarditis. They typically infect valves that have been previously damaged by rheumatic fever or congenital defects.
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