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Streptococcus milleri group (Streptococcus anginosus): recovery from intra-abdominal and soft tissue sites
C E Edmiston1, A P Walker, C J Krepel
1Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
Abstract:
One hundred thirty-three Streptococcus milleri group (S. anginosus) isolates were recovered from 487 surgical patients. The streptococci were recovered from 33 percent of intra-abdominal infection cultures (84/257). 22 percent of samples from penetrating visceral trauma (19/86), 52 percent of perirectal abscess specimens (13/25), 13 percent of nonpuerperal breast abscess cultures (8/60), and 15 percent of diabetic foot lesions (9/59). Ninety-eight percent of the S. milleri (131/133) were recovered as companion flora in polymicrobial cultures. The organisms were highly susceptible to the beta-lactam antibiotics. The precise pathogenic role of the S. milleri group (S. anginosus) is unknown. However, intrinsic virulence may be expressed in patients with severe infection or other predisposing factors.
Insights
Streptococcus anginosus, part of the Streptococcus milleri group, frequently appears in surgical infections, particularly intra-abdominal infections and abscesses. This common bacterium shows high susceptibility to beta-lactam antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Infections
Background:
- The Streptococcus milleri group, including Streptococcus anginosus, is often isolated from human infections.
- Its specific role in pathogenesis, especially in polymicrobial infections, requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Streptococcus milleri group (S. anginosus) in surgical patients.
- To investigate the susceptibility patterns of these isolates to antibiotics.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of bacterial isolates from surgical patients.
- Identification of Streptococcus milleri group (S. anginosus) from various infection sites.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, focusing on beta-lactam antibiotics.
Main Results:
- 133 Streptococcus milleri group (S. anginosus) isolates were recovered from 487 surgical patients.
- The bacteria were frequently found in intra-abdominal infections (33%), perirectal abscesses (52%), and diabetic foot lesions (15%).
- 98% of isolates were part of polymicrobial cultures, and 100% were susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- Streptococcus milleri group (S. anginosus) is a common component of polymicrobial surgical infections.
- Its high susceptibility to beta-lactam antibiotics suggests they are a primary treatment option.
- The intrinsic virulence of S. milleri group (S. anginosus) may be significant in severe or predisposed patients.