Bacteria and Viruses
Numerous bacteria and viruses can cause inflammation of the heart. Heart inflammation caused by bacteria can be a result of Staphylococcus aureus, a specie of bacteria that can also cause inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (known as endocarditis). According to the Mayo Clinic, heart inflammation can also be caused by an infection from Borrelia burgdoferi, which is a bacterium transmitted by tick bites and can cause Lyme disease. The most common viral cause of heart inflammation is coxsackievirus B, a virus that can also cause flu-like symptoms. Other viruses that can cause heart inflammation are the adenovirus (responsible for the common cold), echovirus (causes gastrointestinal discomfort, pain and diarrhea), Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis) and rubella (causes measles). In some cases, the HIV virus can also direct infect the heart muscle, leading to inflammation.
Fungi and Parasites
Aside from bacteria and viruses, parasites and fungi are the other infectious causes of heart inflammation. The Mayo Clinic notes that the toxoplasma parasites and Trypansoma cruzi are able to cause heart inflammation. Trypansoma cruzi is prevalent in South and Central America where it is responsible for Chagas disease. Chagas disease is the most common cause of congestive heart failure in the world. Although heart inflammation from fungi is fairly rare, there are some species of fungus and mold that can infect the heart, including yeast infections (such as Candida), the aspergillus mold and the histoplasma fungi, which are commonly found in bird droppings.
Other Causes
Certain chemicals are able to cause inflammation of the heart, such as arsenic and a class of compounds known as hydrocarbons. Some medications can cause allergic reactions that lead to heart inflammation, including penicillin and another class of antibiotic called sulfonamide. Cocaine can also lead to heart inflammation. On occasion, other diseases can also cause inflammation of the heart, including lupus, certain disorders of the connective tissue, amyloidosis and inflammation of the blood vessels (also known as vasculitis). In rare cases, disorders of the immune system (such as the auto-immune disorder Wegener's granulomatosis) can also cause heart inflammation.
