An association between single nucleotide polymorphisms within TLR and TREM-1 genes and infective endocarditis.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is an inflammatory condition of the lining of the heart chambers and valves, which is generally caused by bacteria. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREMs) are key effectors of the innate system that play a significant role in the recognition of infectious agents, particularly, bacteria. We hypothesised that inherited variation in TLR and TREM-1 genes may affect individual susceptibility to IE.