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Head and neck infections caused by Streptococcus milleri group: an analysis of 17 cases

Tomohisa Hirai1, Shinji Kimura, Naoki Mori

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and neck surgery, Hiroshima Prefectural Hospital, 1-5-54 Ujinakanda, Hiroshima 734-8530, Japan. t-hirai@hph.pref.hiroshima.com

Auris, Nasus, Larynx
|May 11, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Streptococcus milleri group (SMG) can cause serious head and neck infections, especially when combined with anaerobic bacteria. Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial for managing these aggressive infections.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Streptococcus milleri group (SMG) bacteria are common in the oral and GI tracts.
  • While typically commensal, SMG can cause abscesses but is rarely implicated in head and neck infections.

Observation:

  • A retrospective study reviewed 17 head and neck infection cases caused by SMG between 2001-2002.
  • Infections occurred in various head and neck sites, including the maxillary sinus and peritonsillar region.
  • 59% of cases were suppurative, and 35% involved mixed SMG and anaerobic infections.

Findings:

  • Three patients with mixed SMG and anaerobic infections experienced rapidly deteriorating clinical courses.
  • One patient developed gas gangrene, which improved with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Implications:

  • SMG should be recognized as a significant pathogen in head and neck infections.
  • Co-infections with anaerobic bacteria require careful management due to potential for rapid clinical decline.

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