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Streptococcus mitis septicaemia and hepatitis.
E Galanakis1, E Kritikou-Pliota, C Pappa
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Ioannina, Greece.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|May 29, 2000
Summary
Streptococcus mitis can cause severe illness like septicaemia and hepatitis, even in healthy children. This finding expands the known clinical spectrum of viridans streptococci infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Viridans streptococci are common commensals, typically associated with mild infections.
- The clinical manifestations of viridans streptococci, particularly Streptococcus mitis, are not fully elucidated.
Observation:
- A case study of a 9-year-old boy presenting with fever, papular rash, jaundice, and impaired liver function.
- Blood cultures identified Streptococcus mitis, sensitive to penicillin.
Findings:
- Streptococcus mitis can cause severe systemic infections, including septicaemia and hepatitis.
- The patient, who was immunocompetent, experienced an excellent outcome following treatment.
Implications:
- The clinical spectrum of viridans streptococci infections may be broader than previously recognized.
- Immunocompetent individuals can be susceptible to severe Streptococcus mitis infections.
- This case highlights the importance of considering Streptococcus mitis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained hepatitis and septicaemia.