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The novel species Streptococcus tigurinus and its association with oral infection

Andrea Zbinden1, Nagihan Bostanci, Georgios N Belibasakis

  • 1a Institute of Medical Virology; University of Zurich ; Zurich , Switzerland.

Virulence
|December 9, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus tigurinus, a novel bacterium, can cause severe infections. Its presence in the mouth, even with periodontal disease, suggests a potential link between oral health and systemic Streptococcus tigurinus infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Oral Health

Background:

  • Streptococcus tigurinus is a newly identified species within the viridans streptococci group.
  • It is closely related to other bacteria in the Streptococcus mitis group, including Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • This bacterium has been detected in the human oral cavity, particularly in individuals with periodontal disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current scientific knowledge on Streptococcus tigurinus.
  • To explore its relationship with closely related streptococcal species.
  • To discuss the potential role of Streptococcus tigurinus in oral infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing scientific studies on Streptococcus tigurinus.
  • Comparative analysis of Streptococcus tigurinus with related species in the Streptococcus mitis group.
  • Assessment of evidence linking Streptococcus tigurinus to oral and systemic infections.

Main Results:

  • Streptococcus tigurinus is associated with severe invasive infections like endocarditis, spondylodiscitis, and meningitis.
  • While found in the oral cavity, direct strong evidence linking it to common oral infections is currently lacking.
  • Its association with endocarditis highlights a potential connection between oral bacteria and systemic disease.

Conclusions:

  • Streptococcus tigurinus represents a significant pathogen capable of causing severe invasive diseases.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the role of Streptococcus tigurinus in oral health and its contribution to systemic infections.
  • The presence of Streptococcus tigurinus in the oral cavity warrants attention due to its association with serious infections such as endocarditis.
Keywords:
Streptococcus mitis groupStreptococcus tigurinusendocarditisoral infectionperiodontal disease

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