Below is an instruction from Human. Write a response.
    ### Instruction:
    What causes Endocarditis ?
    ### Response:
    Infective endocarditis (IE) occurs if bacteria, fungi, or other germs invade your bloodstream and attach to abnormal areas of your heart. Certain factors increase the risk of this happening.
                
A common underlying factor in IE is a structural heart defect, especially faulty heart valves.
    