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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
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A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
Group Milleri Streptococci in perianal infections
I Stelzmueller1, F Aigner, J Albright
1Department of General and Transplant Surgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Austria.
Summary
Group Milleri Streptococci (GMS) in anal abscesses lead to more polymicrobial infections and higher recurrence rates compared to non-GMS infections. Surgical drainage is the primary treatment, with antibiotics beneficial in select cases.
Area of Science:
- Proctology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Anal abscesses are often linked to fistulas-in-ano and typically involve multiple bacteria, predominantly gram-negative rods and anaerobes.
- Group Milleri Streptococci (GMS) are a diverse group of bacteria known to cause severe, purulent infections with a tendency for recurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze anorectal infections caused by GMS.
- To compare outcomes of GMS-positive anal abscesses with GMS-negative cases to identify specific clinical characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of all anorectal infections caused by GMS over a 4-year period.
- Matched pair analysis comparing 18 GMS-positive anal abscesses with 36 GMS-negative controls.
Main Results:
- Group Milleri Streptococci (GMS) were isolated in 13% of 358 patients with anal infections.
- GMS-positive perianal abscesses were more frequently polymicrobial and had a significantly higher recurrence rate (55.6%) than GMS-negative abscesses (22.2%).
- Nine patients (20%) experienced recurrent abscesses or fistulae-in-ano requiring further surgery.
Conclusions:
- Group Milleri Streptococci (GMS) are associated with a propensity for deep-seated and recurrent anal abscesses.
- The recurrence rate for GMS-associated infections is higher than for non-GMS infections.
- Surgical drainage is the recommended first-line treatment, with antibiotic therapy considered for specific patient groups.
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